Embedded Software Research Engineer

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

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.

Location: Reading, United Kingdom
Date: 03/06/2026
Req No: R0301491
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Reading (Hybrid Working)

Embedded Software Research Engineer

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.

We are looking for an Embedded Software Research Engineer to join our Thales Research & Technology (TRT) team in Reading. This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional software development and work on technologies that don't yet exist in today's products. You'll join a small, expert research team where creativity, experimentation and innovation are encouraged, giving you the chance to explore new concepts, develop proof-of-concept demonstrators, and influence future Thales capabilities.

Working across a variety of cutting-edge projects, you'll combine hands-on embedded software development with research, rapid prototyping and technology exploration. No two projects are the same, offering exposure to a diverse range of technical challenges and emerging technologies. If you're motivated by solving complex engineering problems, learning from experienced research engineers, and seeing your ideas shape future defence and security solutions, this role offers an exceptional environment to develop your expertise and make a meaningful impact.

About Thales Research & Technology

The TRT function sits at the heart of Thales UK's innovation capability, supporting growth across our key market sectors and exploring future technologies and opportunities. Our teams undertake cutting-edge research and development activities, helping shape the next generation of solutions across defence, aerospace, security and digital technologies.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators and pre-production prototypes for future technologies and products.
• Develop, integrate and test Embedded C software on embedded platforms.
• Conduct feasibility studies through analysis, experimentation and rapid prototyping activities.
• Research, invent and evaluate innovative concepts and technologies, demonstrating their applicability to Thales products and solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual technical activities and adapting to new research areas.

Ideal Experience & Skills

• Strong experience developing software in Embedded C.
• Experience developing for embedded platforms, ideally using ARM-based processors and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Understanding of software engineering standards, processes and best practices, including areas such as MISRA, CERT C, Agile methodologies, Git, CI/CD or related tools.
• Ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop innovative, practical solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (minimum 2:1), Master's degree or PhD in a relevant Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Mathematics or related discipline.
• Practical experience developing Embedded C software gained through industry, research projects, placements or postgraduate study.

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• Hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• 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
• Extensive learning, development and career progression opportunities
• Relocation support may be available where applicable

UK Eyes Only

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:

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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. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!