Location: Cheadle, United KingdomThales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.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.Software IVVQ/ Test Engineer
Location: Cheadle, full-time hybrid working with 4.5 days in the office, with 10-20% travel, plus relocation support package availableStep into a role where your expertise contributes to pioneering technologies that deliver real operational impact!What the role has to offerBe part of pioneering innovation that pushes technical and operational boundaries, shaping next‑generation defence and maritime capabilitiesJoin an industry known for long‑term stability and resilience, offering meaningful work in a sector that remains essential amid global geopolitical uncertaintyContribute to advanced solutions that redefine operational performance, supporting platforms and technologies used by navies and defence partners worldwideOur OpportunityAs a Software Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification (IVVQ) / Test Engineer within Thales Maritime Mission Systems, you will play a central role in delivering high‑performance solutions for next‑generation mission systems and sonar technologies. Based at our Cheadle site, you will work within the Software Development team and collaborate with colleagues across the UK and internationally.You will lead SW IVVQ activities on our software projects, using industry‑standard tools and methods. Security Clearance (SC) is essential, or you must be eligible to obtain it. The role involves some travel to Thales sites in the UK and Europe, as well as supplier facilities, and requires a strong on‑site presence - around 4.5 days per week - to access specialised equipment and conduct hands‑on testing.You will bring relevant industry experience, a solid software development background, and strong problem‑solving skills. Software testing experience is desirable but not essential; candidates from development roles who are keen to move into testing and integration are strongly encouraged to apply. The role includes hands‑on work with hardware rigs, test platforms, and integrated hardware‑software environments in our on‑site labs, making system‑level understanding highly valuable.Building a Future, we can all trust. Defence Mission Systems (DMS) delivers cutting‑edge capabilities across electronic combat systems, airborne surveillance, and both above‑ and underwater warfare. Software sits at the core of these technologies, driving performance, reliability, and mission success - from satellite control to secure digital platforms. Joining this area means contributing to high‑impact projects that challenge you, grow your expertise, and directly support mission‑critical operations.Thales Maritime Mission Systems provides a unique opportunity to shape advanced software that powers world‑leading sonar and maritime capabilities for UK and international navies. Our technology underpins major defence programmes, including next‑generation autonomous mine hunters, hybrid and conventional mine countermeasure vessels, Astute‑class submarines, Merlin helicopters, and Type 23 frigates.What we offer youWe offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:Performance related annual bonus (VCP)Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salaryLife Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension scheme)Income Protection – 50% of salary less state benefits for 5 yearsAnnual Leave – 201 hours, bank holidays, plus 1 company dayPrivate Medical Insurance - Couples coverHalf day every Friday, usually finishing around 1:00pm24/7 Employee Assistance Programme24 hours paid leave for volunteering activitiesAccess to flexible benefits and discounts – dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many moreRelocation support available for eligible candidatesKey Responsibilities and TasksReport to the Lead Software IVVQ Manager within the MCM sector and help shape project‑level IVVQ strategyDeputise for the Lead Software IVVQ Manager when requiredCoordinate all IVVQ activities, including integration planning, factory and on‑site testing, acceptance support, and results analysisMaintain key Software IVVQ metrics and ensure clear reportingSupport in‑service systems by working with customer support teams to maintain deployed softwareAct as the primary interface between Software Development and System Integration teamsServe as the quality gatekeeper for software releases entering solution integrationCollaborate with global stakeholders, including IVVQ Managers, Engineering Managers, Architects, and DevelopersLead and mentor junior Software IVVQ EngineersContribute to the long‑term IVVQ roadmap, identifying and driving improvements in tools, practices, and test environmentsWrite and execute tests to verify requirements and integrate software componentsAbout YouAt 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.Essential:Degree in a relevant discipline, such as Software Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics or EngineeringSolid software development background, enabling informed decision‑making during testing and a strong understanding of software behaviourProven expertise in software testing and integration, using both manual and automated methods as appropriateExperience delivering Integration and Verification activities for complex, multi‑layered system‑of‑systems solutionsStrong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to clearly capture and explain technical issuesExcellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, contributing effectively within cross‑functional engineering teamsSelf‑motivated, flexible, and committed to meeting deadlines, adapting well to changing prioritiesProven customer focus and high personal integrity, maintaining an open and honest approachDemonstrated innovation and continuous improvement mindset, seeking opportunities to enhance tools, processes, and practicesFull UK driving licence and willingness to travel to Thales and partner sites if requiredBeneficial:Experience with Agile methodologies, with an understanding of iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaborative delivery practicesAwareness of software configuration control principles, including version management, change control, and maintaining traceability across the software lifecycleChartered status or actively working towards professional accreditation, demonstrating commitment to ongoing development and recognised engineering standardsIf you’re ready to take on a high‑impact engineering role at the forefront of innovation, we’d love to hear from you - apply today and help define the future of maritime mission systems!Security Clearance Statement This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.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.For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)#LI-VG1In 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 Team for graduate and apprentice roles.Great journeys start here, apply now!
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