Research and Development Engineer - CEMA

Thales; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Car cash allowance

Half day Friday

28 days annual leave + option to buy 0

24 hours volunteering leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Life cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Thales UK is seeking a Research and Development Engineer – CEMA in Reading to develop rapid proof‑of‑concept demonstrators and explore cutting‑edge technologies for defence and security applications. You will work within TRT to prototype solutions from concept to hardware-ready form.

Join a collaborative team of researchers, accountable for technical experiments, feasibility studies and innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python and C with knowledge of C++, C# or Rust.
• Experience with embedded platforms (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, STM32) and RTOS.
• Hands-on prototyping: hardware integration, debugging and fault-finding.
• Familiar with RF technologies, SDR or RF measurement techniques.
• Creative problem solving and clear communication of ideas.

Responsibilities

• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators to evaluate new technologies and concepts.
• Support technical experiments, trials and demonstrations to validate approaches.
• Carry out feasibility studies through analysis, rapid prototyping and experimentation.
• Investigate emerging technologies and translate concepts into practical Thales capabilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage individual research activities.

Skills

Python

C

C++

C#

Rust

Raspberry Pi

Embedded systems

RTOS

Device drivers

Rapid prototyping

Hardware integration

Debugging

Soldering

3D printing

RF technologies

SDR

RF measurement

Creative problem solving

Job description

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Research and Development Engineer – CEMA

We are looking for a Research and Development Engineer – CEMA to 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.

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.

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

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, 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 last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.