Research and Development Engineer - CEMA

WeAreTechWomen; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Car cash allowance

Half day every Friday

28 days annual leave

Paid volunteering leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Life cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee discounts

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Thales Research & Technology UK in Reading is seeking a Research and Development Engineer – CEMA to join our experienced team. You will develop rapid proof-of-concept demonstrators, explore emerging technologies and take ideas from concept to prototype within defence and security domains.

A hands-on role blending software development in Python and C with embedded platforms, rapid prototyping and hardware integration. UK security clearance is required; applicants must be UK nationals.

Qualifications

• Strong software development skills in Python and C, with knowledge of C++, C# or Rust.
• Experience configuring or developing software for embedded platforms or single-board computers.
• Experience building rapid prototypes and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with RF technologies, SDR or RF measurement techniques.
• Creative, collaborative and able to translate ideas into practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators to evaluate innovative technologies.
• Support technical experimentation, trials and demonstrations.
• Carry out feasibility studies through rapid prototyping and evaluation.
• Investigate emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions for future Thales capabilities.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and own research activities.

Skills

Python

C

C++

C#

Rust

Embedded systems

RTOS

Soldering

3D printing

RF technologies

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

BeagleBone

STM32

Job description

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Date: 02/07/2026

Req No: R0325186

Contract Type: Permanent

Research and Development Engineer – CEMA

We are looking for a Research and Development Engineer – CEMA join our highly experienced research team within Thales Research & Technology (TRT). This is an exciting opportunity to develop rapid proof-of-concept demonstrators, explore emerging technologies and contribute to innovative research projects that support future defence and security capabilities. Working within a collaborative team of experienced researchers, you'll have the freedom to be creative, experiment with new ideas and help shape technologies from concept through to prototype.

About Thales Research & Technology

The Thales Research & Technology (TRT) function sits at the heart of Thales UK's innovation capability, supporting growth across our key market sectors and exploring future technologies and opportunities. Our teams undertake cutting-edge research and development activities, helping shape the next generation of solutions across defence, aerospace, security and digital technologies.

Working across a variety of cutting-edge projects, you'll combine hands-on software development with research, rapid prototyping and technology exploration. No two projects are the same, offering exposure to a diverse range of technical challenges and emerging technologies. If you're motivated by solving complex engineering problems, learning from experienced research engineers, and seeing your ideas shape future defence and security solutions, this role offers an exceptional environment to develop your expertise and make a meaningful impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators to evaluate innovative technologies and concepts.
• Support technical experimentation, trials and demonstrations to validate new approaches.
• Carry out feasibility studies through analysis, rapid prototyping and experimental evaluation.
• Investigate emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions, demonstrating their applicability to future Thales capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual research activities and adapting to new technical challenges.

Ideal Experience & Skills

• Strong software development skills with experience in Python and C, alongside knowledge of languages such as C++, C# or Rust.
• Experience configuring or developing software for embedded platforms or single-board computers, such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, STM32 or similar, including familiarity with RTOS, device drivers and peripherals.
• Experience building rapid prototypes, with practical skills such as hardware integration, debugging, fault-finding, soldering or 3D printing.
• Familiarity with RF technologies, Software Defined Radio (SDR) or RF measurement techniques.
• A creative and innovative approach to solving technical challenges, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and translate concepts into practical solutions.

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
• Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement (UK Eyes Only)

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years' residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

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Equal Opportunities

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!