Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

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.

Senior Product Architect – Lasers

Glasgow - Hybrid

Thales is a world leader in the design and manufacture of products for the worldwide defence, aerospace and security markets. Laser Systems (specifically Laser Designators & Laser Rangefinders) is a key and growing product area for the Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business line of Thales UK.

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Product Architect - Lasers, reporting to the Chief Technologist Lasers, and working closely with the Sensors Product Line Architect (PLA), to help architect our future laser products.

The role will be of interest to laser professionals with specialist knowledge of solid state lasers (eg Nd:YAG, Erbium Glass or Fibre Lasers) and who already architect solid state laser products or have the ambition to do so.

Key responsibilities:

Develop architectures for future solid state lasers and laser products. In this context the lasers may be Nd:YAG, Erbium Glass or Fibre LasersProduct development – work with the engineering teams and manufacturing teams on the development and qualification of laser products and their transition into manufacturingThought leadership - influencing the thinking and direction of travel of OME laser products and technologyTechnology planning – provide input to the Technology Roadmap for the laser products, helping identify the key emerging or existing laser technologies and the plan for the adoption of these technologies within the Business Line.External funding – helping identify and pursue sources of external technology funding (MoD, DSTL, DASA, Industry, Government) to support activities within the lasers domain.Supplier Collaboration – liaising and collaborating with suppliers and partners in the exploitation of new and emerging laser technologies to enhance the product range and to improve customer value.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

Bachelor, Masters or Post-Doctoral Degree (BEng, BSc, MEng, MSc, EngD or PhD) in Physics or Laser PhysicsSignificant experience of lasers / laser systems gained in a manufacturing or R&D organisation.Strong experimental skills supported by solid theoretical backgroundKnowledge of key trends in laser systems technology and the passion to help steer the capability in Thales to profitably benefit from these trends

Security Clearance Statement

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance.  Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.  In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What we can offer

We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Our packages will include significant bonus, a strong pension contribute, private healthcare, development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities. Further support can be provided towards academic and membership attainments.

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In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. 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.

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.

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