At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our engineering team to work on innovative projects that shape the future.
- Company: Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic graduate programme with rotation options and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with mentorship and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a STEM subject required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Start Date: 07 September 2026 | Salary: £34,000 per annum | Employee type: Permanent | Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
What The Role Has To Offer
- Permanent role from day one
- Work on exciting projects within our business units
- Receive mentorship and support from our Engineering Leadership team
- An opportunity in year 3 to rotate into different business units and experience different parts of an engineering lifecycle
Graduate Programme
This a 3‑year programme with the option to rotate, in year 3, around the country across different business units experiencing different parts of an engineering lifecycle. You will be assigned to a succession of new or existing programmes where you will work with and be supported by other engineers to design and develop engineering solutions to meet the needs of our customers. During your time on the programme you will be under the sponsorship and guidance of the Engineering Leadership team and will follow a structured and detailed learning pathway to fast‑track your development within your role.
Requirements
- Have or be on track to achieve a bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject in one of the following areas:
- Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Systems Engineering
- Computing or Computer Science
- AI, Machine Learning and Cybernetics
- All applicable technical or related degrees will be considered
Benefits
- 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Life Insurance
- Discount Portal
- Performance‑related pay uplifts
- 80 hours volunteering (first two years)
Closing Date
Our applications will close at 11:59 pm on Monday 5 January 2026. Please apply as soon as possible; roles may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications.
Security Clearance
All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) prior to starting with us. This role requires SC clearance; it would be advantageous if currently held, but if not, the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC clearance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thales is an equal‑opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
2026 Engineering Graduate in Belfast employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and inspire one another. Located in Belfast, the company offers a comprehensive Graduate Programme with extensive development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee well-being, making it an ideal place for aspiring engineers to build a meaningful and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Engineering Graduate in Belfast
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Thales for a 2026 Engineering Graduate. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Engineering Graduate in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Thales, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Thales, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Thales.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Thales. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Thales love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
