Optical Test engineer

Thales Group; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales UK is seeking an Optical Test Engineer in Glasgow, focusing on advanced military-grade optical products. The role involves designing tests, calibrating components, and collaborating across teams to innovate in optics. Candidates should have a solid physics background and a passion for real-world applications of their skills in defence technology.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Continuous learning support

Qualifications

• A strong foundation in physics—especially optics/lasers.
• Self-driven and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design and support optical test and production setups.
• Validate product improvements and prototypes through experimentation.
• Model, simulate, and analyse optical systems.

Skills

Practical and experimental skills

Curiosity

Detail orientation

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Physics (BSc Hons or equivalent)

Job description

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

We’re Hiring: Optical Test Engineer – Glasgow | Thales UK

Full-time | Defence & Technology | Physics & Optics – Monday – Thursday 37 Hours

Are you passionate about physics—especially optics and lasers? Do you love turning theory into real-world innovation? At Thales UK, we’re on a mission to build a safer, more connected world. And we need bright minds like yours.

Join our team in Glasgow as an Optical Test Engineer and work on advanced military-grade products at the cutting edge of technology.

What You’ll Do

Design and support optical test and production setups

Validate product improvements and prototypes through experimentation

Model, simulate, and analyse optical systems

Use tools like interferometers to assess optical components

Calibrate optical subassemblies and tooling

Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing and quality teams

What You’ll Bring

A strong foundation in physics—especially optics/lasers

Practical and experimental skills

Curiosity and an eye for detail—you question results and dig deeper

Self-driven and collaborative mindset

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

A degree in Physics (BSc Hons or equivalent)

Even Better If You Have:

️ Experience with interferometry

️ Knowledge of optical or mechanical engineering

️ Background in optical test design or manufacture

Why Thales?

At Thales, we believe innovation starts with diverse, curious teams. We support flexible working, continuous learning, and career growth in a truly inclusive culture. Your passion for physics could help shape tomorrow’s defence technologies.

Ready to put your curiosity to work?

Apply now and let’s engineer a safer future—together.

#OpticalEngineering #PhysicsJobs #STEMCareers #ThalesUK #Optics #TestEngineer #LaserTechnology #DefenceInnovation #DiversityInSTEM #EngineeringJobs #GlasgowJobs #LI-AH1

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment,if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Teamfor graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!