2026 Algorithm Engineering Apprentice

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.
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. 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 Algorithm Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

Permanent
Working Schedule: 37 hours per week on site (8 hours Monday - Thursday, 5 hours on a Friday)

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to be part of an Apprenticeship Programme that will develop and challenge you? Job specific training experience
Permanent role from day one
Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

Join us as an Algorithm Engineering Apprentice where you'll have the opportunity to enhance your skills in designing the signal processing and AI algorithms that power the world's leading sonar systems. You will collaborate with a diverse team of experts to create complex systems for our customers. This role promises an exciting journey into the world of sonar technology

As an Algorithm Engineering Apprentice, you will experience and develop crucial skills in the following areas:
Effective communication skills in both writing reports and giving presentations
Knowledge and application of the key digital technologies such as data science or AI/ML
Signal processing (such as audio, image, video processing) and information processing (raw data or structured data)
Effective algorithm design and implementations, and importance of verification and validation
Conduct high level of systems analysis with supporting application of science and mathematics
Scientific and numerical programming and scripting languages (e.g. MATLAB, Python)

Apprentice Programme
You will be studying towards a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions, following the Software Engineering Pathway. This is a Gold accredited programme by Tech Partnership Degrees. For the duration of this 4 year programme you will be given one day per week in which to attend Manchester Metropolitan University. For the other 4 days you will be working in the business, applying your university learning and gaining a breadth of experience within the software function. At the end of the apprenticeship you will be working as an Algorithm engineer within the Thales UK business.

5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths


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 Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026.

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 you to be a sole British National from birth and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. 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.