Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Missile Architect (IAS)
Location: based in Belfast, 4.5 days/ week in office (onsite), with
Other: permanent, full-time
Relocation Support Available: for eligible candidates relocating to Belfast, comprehensive relocation support is available to help make your transition as smooth as possible
For experienced systems and architecture engineers seeking greater strategic impact and long-term career progression, this is a rare opportunity to help define the future direction of missile technology.
What the role has to offer
Shape the Future of Missile Capability- play a key role in developing next-generation missile and effector architectures, helping to assess and integrate the technologies that will deliver future defence capability
Broad Technical Exposure - gain experience across the full missile lifecycle, from concept development and technology assessment through to development, production, and in-service support. You'll work across multiple technologies and programmes, building broad architectural expertise
Develop Your Technical Leadership - work alongside experienced architects and technical leaders, with opportunities to influence technical direction, support strategic initiatives, and progress towards Product Design Authority (PDA) responsibilities
Your Next Step Towards Technical Leadership - opportunity to influence future missile capability, shape technology roadmaps, work directly with senior stakeholders and develop towards Product Design Authority (PDA) responsibilities
Our Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Capability Development Missiles, you'll join a team responsible for assessing emerging technologies, developing missile concept architectures, and supporting the future direction of Thales' effector portfolio. Working within Capability Development, you'll help evaluate subsystem technologies, contribute to architectural studies, and support the development of innovative solutions that meet evolving customer and operational needs. As a Missile Architect, you'll have the opportunity to develop towards Product Design Authority (PDA) responsibilities, building your technical leadership capability while contributing to the development of future missile concepts and technologies.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with missile, defence, aerospace, or complex systems experience to broaden their architectural capability. You'll work alongside experienced Missile Architects, systems engineers, customers, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams to conduct technical studies, develop concept solutions, and contribute to technology roadmaps that help shape future missile capability.
Building a Future, we can all trust.
Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.
What we offer you
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
Performance-related bonus
Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
24 hours volunteering paid for
Private healthcare
Pension scheme
Life cover
24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and…