Technology Manager

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.

Thales is a world leader in the design and manufacture of products for the worldwide defence, aerospace and security markets. Optronics is a key and growing product area for the Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business line of Thales UK with significant products developed and operational with end users in the UK and export markets.

A vacancy has arisen for Technology Manager, reporting to the OME Chief Technologist, to provide management of our research and innovation activities. The role will be of interest to professionals with experience in optronics systems, with ambition to take on larger responsibilities in that domain.

The key responsibilities for the OME Technology Manager will be:

• Manage the Technology SFRD budget, research topics and resource demands
• Implement Horizon scanning to assess new and emerging technologies
• Identify business challenges and utilise Open Innovation approach to identify SMEs and solutions
• Act as the OME Intellectual Property Correspondent, to protect IP via the Invention Disclosure & patent process
• Co-ordinate the Specialists & Experts process
• Co-ordinate university engagement
• Lead the OME Design Centre, working with the Thales Global Design Centre Network
• Support the analysis of R&D Tax credits

Skills, qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor, Masters or Post-Doctoral Degree (BEng, BSc, MEng, MSc, EngD or PhD) in a mathematical, scientific or engineering subject
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Demonstrated experience with development or application of Optronics and/or Missile Electronic Systems
• Interest and knowledge of a range of technology including, lasers, AI, imaging, quantum, stabilisation, optics, autonomy
• Knowledge and experience of IP and patents [desirable]

Core Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

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 Security Clearance (SC). 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. 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.

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. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.