Systems Engineer - IAS

Thales Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Half day every Friday

28 days annual leave (plus bank hols)

Pension scheme

Life cover

Employee Assistance Program

Discount shopping schemes

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Thales IAS UK in Belfast, UK, is seeking a Systems Engineer to join a high‑performing team. The role covers the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept to delivery, within Fire Control and Air Defence systems.

It requires tackling complex challenges and delivering mission-critical solutions while collaborating across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or equivalent.
• Experience in systems engineering activities: requirements, design, integration and testing.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem solving and ability to deliver in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Capture and manage customer, user, and business requirements for deployed products.
• Support system architecture and design with multi-disciplinary teams to define architectures and interfaces.
• Develop and optimise system solutions through trade studies, analysis, modelling and prototyping.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in verification and validation activities including testing and trials.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation to support full product lifecycle.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements definition

Electrical/Mechanical interface

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Location: Belfast, 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.

Systems Engineer - IAS

Location: based in Belfast, minimum 3 days/ week in office (hybrid) Other: permanent, full-time with minimal domestic travel

What the role has to offer

Work on cutting-edge defence technology that protects people, supports critical missions, and shapes the future of air defence capabilities Influence the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and requirements through to integration, testing, and delivery of operational systems Develop your career alongside industry-leading experts, with opportunities for professional accreditation, continuous learning, and progression Our Opportunity At Thales IAS UK, you'll help develop the next generation of defence technologies that protect people, safeguard critical assets, and support mission success around the world. As a Systems Engineer, you'll join a high-performing multidisciplinary team at the forefront of Fire Control and Air Defence System development, turning complex customer challenges into innovative, mission-critical solutions. Working across the full systems engineering lifecycle, you'll play a key role in defining requirements, shaping system architectures, conducting analysis and modelling, and supporting integration, testing, and verification activities. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex engineering challenges, and see your contribution directly influence world-class defence capabilities. We're looking for a motivated Systems Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working collaboratively across disciplines, and taking ownership of delivery. You'll have experience in at least one stage of the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept and design through to integration, delivery, support, and disposal, along with the curiosity and drive to broaden your expertise. With some foundation level industry experience, strong critical thinking skills, and a passion for innovation will enable you to make a real impact while cross-fertilising your skills and learning from specialists across the wider engineering community. Building a Future, we can all trust. Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.

What we offer you

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• 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 volunteering paid for
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Main Responsibilities

• Capture and manage customer, user, and business requirements, ensuring a clear understanding of operational needs and how products will be deployed and used
• Support system architecture and design development, working with multi-disciplinary teams to define system architectures, interfaces, behaviours, and flow-down requirements
• Develop and optimise system solutions through trade studies, technical analysis, modelling, and prototyping to achieve performance, cost, and operational objectives
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in verification and validation activities, including testing and trials, to ensure solutions meet customer and stakeholder requirements
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, capturing designs, decisions, requirements, and rationale within specifications and other engineering artefacts to support the full product lifecycle

About You

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world's most critical challenges.

Ideal Skills & Experience

Essential

• Acquired a Bachelor's degree (BEng, BSc or equivalent) in an Engineering, Scientific, Mathematical or other relevant technical discipline
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering activities, including requirements definition, system design, integration and/or verification and testing
• Proven ability to apply critical thinking, problem-solving and innovative approaches to complex technical challenges
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to a range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to deliver outcomes, overcome obstacles and drive progress within projects and multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Acquired knowledge of Air Defence Systems, Fire Control Systems or related defence technologies
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and deliver results in a demanding, high-pressure environment
• Acquired a postgraduate engineering qualification and/or proven progress towards professional accreditation (e.g. Chartered Engineer status)

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 Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. 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.