Systems Architect

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.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.About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Systems Architect with a focus on Test Solutions to join our engineering function. In this role, you will define and deliver innovative, robust, and scalable test architectures to support the development, verification, and validation of complex aerospace and defence systems. As a key member of the engineering team, you will ensure that our test strategies align with customer requirements (including MOD standards), programme needs, and long-term product sustainment. You will shape the technical direction of test systems across the product lifecycle, working at the interface between design engineering, integration, and our customers.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standardsDefine test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service supportTranslate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architecturesEnsure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environmentsWork closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycleProvide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teamsContribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution conceptsEngage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practicesDrive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approachesQualificationsProven experience as a Systems Architect / Systems EngineerStrong background in test system design and architectureExperience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into testStrong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customersDemonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle – from concept through to in-service supportRequired SkillsExperience with test automationKnowledge of safety, security, and information assurance in defence systemsPreferred SkillsOpportunity to shape next-generation test systems for critical aerospace and defence programmesWork on challenging projects with direct impact on UK defence capabilityProfessional development support, including chartership and advanced trainingHybrid and flexible working options.Security Clearance RequirementDue to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. 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. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered.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.Thales UK is an equal opportunities employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr