Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.
We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. 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.

2026 Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to be part of a Graduate Programme that will develop and challenge you? Permanent role from day one
Work on exciting projects within our business units
Receive mentorship and support from our Engineering Leadership team
An opportunity in year 3 to rotate into different business units and experience different parts of an engineering lifecycle

This is an exciting engineering graduate programme designed to create the next generation of aspiring technical experts, specialists and leaders for Thales in the UK. We are looking for people with a passion for engineering combined with an inquisitive mind and an intrinsic interest in people, leadership and success through teamwork. If you are looking for a broad learning experience, Thales will offer you extensive development and challenges, and support you with a unique level of exposure within our business so that you can you can drive your career progression at the rate right for you.

Graduate Programme:
This a 3 year programme with the option to rotate in Year 3 around the country, across the different business units experiencing the engineering lifecycle. You will be assigned to a new or existing programme where you will work with and be supported by other engineers to design and develop engineering solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

During your time on the programme, you will be under the sponsorship and guidance of the Engineering Leadership team, where you will follow a structured and detailed learning pathway to fast track your development within your role.

You will have gained or be on track to achieve a bachelor’s degree in a STEM Subject which is in the following subject areas:
Product Design Engineering (BEng or MEng)
Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering (BEng or MEng)
Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (BEng or MEng)
All applicable Mechanical Engineering related degrees will be considered

This programme is a great opportunity to work in one of the world’s leading engineering organisations and develop a long-term career building engineering solutions together, safer, everywhere.

Please note that Graduate Development Programme (GDP) activities take place during the working week but may require the investment of some personal time for travel and follow-up activities. You may have the opportunity to travel to Thales and non-Thales sites throughout the UK when participating in GDP activities.

201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
~ Company Pension
~ Health Care Cash Plan
~ Life Insurance
~ Discount Portal
~ Performance-related pay uplifts
~Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 07 September - Friday 11 September 2026.

59pm on Monday 5 January 2026 , this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr .

All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us.

This role requires Security Clearance (SC). Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link -  

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

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.

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. 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.