Thales UK
Thales OME designs a range of state-of-the-art periscopes and optronics for some of the most technically advanced defence and security platforms in the world.
Our Scholarships
Placement Location
Glasgow or Reading
Type of Placements Offered
• Summer placements • 12-month placements • 6-month MEng placements
Restrictions/Notes
(1) Students must be in the penultimate year of their degree; (2) Students must demonstrate an interest in working with analogue and digital circuits for optronics applications; (3) Candidates required to undergo Security Clearance, check eligibility here: https://shorturl.at/kTn1m
Who we are and what we do
Who we are and what we do
Thales in the UK is a leading technology company working at the forefront of defence, aerospace, cyber security, digital identity, space and critical infrastructure. We combine world-class engineering with cutting-edge research to develop solutions that help customers protect people, secure information, navigate safely and make better decisions in complex environments. From radar and sonar systems to secure communications, satellite technologies and autonomous systems, our engineers work on some of the UK’s most advanced technology programmes, delivering innovative solutions with real-world impact.
What you could be doing during your work placement
Your placement will give you the opportunity to work as part of the electronics engineering team within the Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business line. Thales OME designs a range of state-of-the-art periscopes and optronics for some of the most technically advanced defence and security platforms in the world. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including electronics, software and systems to design and implement complex electronic assemblies. You could be involved in design and development, hardware integration, validation or qualification. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, receiving mentoring and exposure to any aspect of the product lifecycle. By the end of your placement you will have gained valuable technical and professional experience and have a better understanding of the possibilities a career as an electronics engineer within Thales can bring.
Meet one of our Engineers
Name: Oliver W
Job Title: Graduate Electronics Engineer
What was your path into Electronics?
I chose to study engineering at university as I wanted a career that combines maths and creative problem solving with the opportunity to work on cutting edge technology. The course I studied on was broad and I was unsure of my direction upon graduation. I didn’t consider electronics seriously until publishing my final year project – a prototype for a wearable dual-mode haptic feedback system. Circuit and firmware design was a significant challenge that I enjoyed tackling and I took that as a sign to pursue a career in electronics.
What attracted you to Thales?
Thales is a world-leading engineering company with advanced technology projects spanning many exciting sectors. The chance to work within a large organisation at the start of my career appealed as it provides valuable opportunities to build a professional network and gain a broader perspective on how electronic engineering functions in industry. The graduate scheme was also a major draw, offering exposure to several stages of the product lifecycle and providing a strong foundation for a career in electronics.
What has your experience at Thales been like?
I have been given ownership of a wide variety of meaningful electronics-focused tasks, as well as opportunities to work closely with colleagues from other engineering disciplines. These tasks have helped me understand how to apply what I learned in university to electronics in industry. The support from managers and teammates has made it easy to ask questions and learn from those around me, and I am constantly gaining a deeper understanding of the different projects and technologies being developed by Thales OME.