Software IVVQ/ Test Engineer in Cheadle Hulme

Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom

Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.

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.

As a Software Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification (IVVQ) / Test Engineer within Thales Maritime Mission Systems, you will play a central role in delivering high-performance solutions for next-generation mission systems and sonar technologies. Based at our Cheadle site, you will work within the Software Development team and collaborate with colleagues across the UK and internationally.

You will lead SW IVVQ activities on our software projects, using industry-standard tools and methods. Security Clearance (SC) is essential, or you must be eligible to obtain it. The role involves some travel to Thales sites in the UK and Europe, as well as supplier facilities, and requires a strong on-site presence - around 4.5 days per week - to access specialised equipment and conduct hands-on testing.

You will bring relevant industry experience, a solid software development background, and strong problem-solving skills. Software testing experience is desirable but not essential; candidates from development roles who are keen to move into testing and integration are strongly encouraged to apply.

Building a Future, we can all trust. Defence Mission Systems (DMS) delivers cutting-edge capabilities across electronic combat systems, airborne surveillance, and both above-and underwater warfare. Software sits at the core of these technologies, driving performance, reliability, and mission success - from satellite control to secure digital platforms.

Thales Maritime Mission Systems provides a unique opportunity to shape advanced software that powers world-leading sonar and maritime capabilities for UK and international navies. Our technology underpins major defence programmes, including next-generation autonomous mine hunters, hybrid and conventional mine countermeasure vessels, Astute-class submarines, Merlin helicopters, and Type 23 frigates.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees' wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
• Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
• Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension scheme)
• Income Protection – 50% of salary less state benefits for 5 years
• Annual Leave – 201 hours, bank holidays, plus 1 company day
• Private Medical Insurance - Couples cover
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 1:00pm
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• 24 hours paid leave for volunteering activities
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts – dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more
• Relocation support available for eligible candidates

Key Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Report to the Lead Software IVVQ Manager within the MCM sector and help shape project-level IVVQ strategy
• Deputise for the Lead Software IVVQ Manager when required
• Coordinate all IVVQ activities, including integration planning, factory and on-site testing, acceptance support, and results analysis
• Maintain key Software IVVQ metrics and ensure clear reporting
• Support in-service systems by working with customer support teams to maintain deployed software
• Act as the primary interface between Software Development and System Integration teams
• Serve as the quality gatekeeper for software releases entering solution integration
• Collaborate with global stakeholders, including IVVQ Managers, Engineering Managers, Architects, and Developers
• Lead and mentor junior Software IVVQ Engineers
• Contribute to the long-term IVVQ roadmap, identifying and driving improvements in tools, practices, and test environments
• Write and execute tests to verify requirements and integrate software components

About You:

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Essential:

• Degree in a relevant discipline, such as Software Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics or Engineering
• Solid software development background, enabling informed decision-making during testing and a strong understanding of software behaviour
• Proven expertise in software testing and integration, using both manual and automated methods as appropriate
• Experience delivering Integration and Verification activities for complex, multi-layered system-of-systems solutions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to clearly capture and explain technical issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, contributing effectively within cross-functional engineering teams
• Self-motivated, flexible, and committed to meeting deadlines, adapting well to changing priorities
• Proven customer focus and high personal integrity, maintaining an open and honest approach
• Demonstrated innovation and continuous improvement mindset, seeking opportunities to enhance tools, processes, and practices
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to Thales and partner sites if required

Beneficial:

• Experience with Agile methodologies, with an understanding of iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaborative delivery practices
• Awareness of software configuration control principles, including version management, change control, and maintaining traceability across the software lifecycle
• Chartered status or actively working towards professional accreditation, demonstrating commitment to ongoing development and recognised engineering standards

If you're ready to take on a high-impact engineering role at the forefront of innovation, we'd love to hear from you - apply today and help define the future of maritime mission systems!

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.

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.

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.

Great journeys start here, apply now!