At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead configuration planning and ensure product data integrity throughout its lifecycle.
- Company: Join Thales Underwater Systems, a leader in underwater technology and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a performance bonus, 28 days leave, private healthcare, and gym savings.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding our world while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of configuration management and systems engineering principles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, Crawley or Cheadle - United Kingdom
Step into a role where your curiosity, care and diligence make a real difference. As a Configuration Manager within Thales Underwater Systems you will help safeguard the integrity of our product data throughout its lifecycle, ensuring our teams have the clarity and confidence they need to deliver complex engineering projects. You will be part of a collaborative community working at the heart of system integration, building strong relationships across the business while developing your own skills in a supportive, people‑focused environment.
Core Benefits
- Performance‑related bonus up to 10%
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 40 hours.
- Private healthcare (for you and your partner)
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and mental wellbeing app
- Discounts with major retailers
- Gym membership savings
More details available here: UK benefits | Thales Group
About Under Water Systems (UWS)
Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world keep our friends, families and all of us safe. We cover four sectors: Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead configuration planning and maintain CM plans, baselines and documentation across the project lifecycle.
- Manage configuration change control, including CCB coordination, traceability and approvals.
- Ensure product definition accuracy, including Bills of Materials and “as built / as installed / as tested” records.
- Conduct configuration audits and verifications (PCA/FCA) and assess supplier/contractor CM compliance.
- Maintain PLM data integrity, ensuring correct registration, release and lifecycle traceability of all configuration items.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of configuration management processes, PLM tools and hardware/software CM practices
- Knowledge of systems engineering and system integration principles
- Comfortable navigating complexity, adapting to change and applying Lean/Agile approaches.
- Experience in defence, engineering or MOD‑related projects and familiarity with DEF Stan 00‑057.
- Confident communicator who builds positive relationships and supports effective supplier/partner collaboration.
UK Eyes Only Security Clearance Requirement
Due 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.
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.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
Configuration Manager employer: Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
Thales Underwater Systems is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth in a collaborative environment. With generous benefits such as a performance-related bonus, extensive annual leave, and private healthcare, employees are supported in both their personal and professional lives. Located in Templecombe, Crawley, or Cheadle, the company fosters a culture of curiosity and care, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
Contact Details:
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Configuration Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Configuration Manager role you’re after at Thales Defense & Security, Inc..
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Configuration Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Configuration Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Thales Defense & Security, Inc. specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Thales Defense & Security, Inc. want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
