Field Service Engineer

WeAreTechWomen; Plymouth (MA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

28 days annual leave plus bank holiday

Matched pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discount schemes

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Thales in the UK is seeking a Field Services Engineer to support Royal Navy sonar systems at HMNB Devonport, Plymouth. You will diagnose faults, perform maintenance, and work with Royal Navy maintainers to keep critical defence assets operational.

You will travel to sites, operate in safety-critical environments, and produce technical reports while coordinating with a Field Services Manager and teams across the support network.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background with hands-on experience in complex systems.
• Experience fault finding and diagnosing technical issues.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical and/or hydraulic systems.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Flexible approach to travel and customer support requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the availability and performance of Royal Navy sonar systems.
• Carry out technical investigations and fault diagnosis activities.
• Use BITE, software diagnostics and specialist support equipment to resolve issues.
• Work closely with Royal Navy maintainers and users to improve system reliability.
• Record and analyse fault and maintenance data using maintenance management systems.
• Produce technical reports and status updates.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Fault finding

Electrical systems

Electronic systems

Mechanical systems

Hydraulic systems

Communication skills

Independent work

Travel flexibility

Job description

Location: Devonport, 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.

At Thales, we're at the forefront of underwater defence technology, delivering advanced sonar and sensing capabilities that help navies around the world maintain operational advantage and protect what matters most.

We're looking for a Field Services Engineer to provide technical support to Royal Navy sonar systems, ensuring critical defence capability remains available and operational. Working alongside Royal Navy personnel, you'll solve complex technical challenges, support maintenance activities and act as a trusted engineering specialist.

This role would suit engineers from a naval, defence, marine, systems, mechanical or electrical engineering background who enjoy hands‑on problem solving in an operational environment.

About Under Water Systems

Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world remain operationally ready and mission effective.

Our business spans:

• Mine Counter Measures
• Anti-Submarine Warfare
• Services
• Future Capabilities

Location - HMNB Devonport, Plymouth

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the availability and performance of Royal Navy sonar systems.
• Carrying out technical investigations and fault diagnosis activities.
• Using BITE, software diagnostics and specialist support equipment to resolve issues.
• Working closely with Royal Navy maintainers and users to improve system reliability and minimise equipment downtime.
• Recording and analysing fault and maintenance data using maintenance management systems.
• Producing technical reports and status updates.
• Acting as a key technical point of contact for customers and users.
• Supporting technical evaluations, maintenance activities and engineering procedures.
• Working safely within regulated, safety-critical environments.
• Maintaining regular communication with the Field Services Manager and wider support teams.
• Supporting customer operational and training commitments through a flexible approach to working hours when required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Strong engineering background with hands‑on experience in complex systems.
• Experience fault finding and diagnosing technical issues.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical and/or hydraulic systems.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Flexible approach to travel and customer support requirements.

Desirable

• Experience within naval, maritime or defence environments.
• Knowledge of sonar systems and underwater technologies.
• Experience supporting Royal Navy platforms or equipment.
• Familiarity with Thales Sonar 2076 and/or Sonar 2087 systems.
• Experience using maintenance management systems.

Why Join Thales?

You’ll play a key role in supporting some of the UK's most advanced underwater defence systems while developing your career within a global technology and defence organisation.

Benefits include:

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday (typically finishing around 13:00)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional leave
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Matched pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental wellbeing support
• Retail discount schemes
• 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 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.

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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.

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.

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