Job Description

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.
Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. 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.
Optical Engineer
Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.
Thales Glasgow designs a range of state-of-the-art Optronics solutions for some of the most technically advanced defence and security platforms for land, sea and air. Our diverse range of Electro-Optical products includes Thermal Imagers, Laser Rangefinders & Designators, Vehicle Sighting Systems and Submarine Periscopes & Optronic Masts.
As an Optical engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of products that encompass thermal imaging, lasers, multiband, direct and indirect visual imaging, non-imaging and laser systems.
Optical engineering is at the heart of our Optronics business and is well positioned to provide opportunity for career growth. We are looking for an engineer with an understanding of the characteristics of an optical system.
What You'll Be Doing
As a key member of our engineering team, you'll play a pivotal role in:

• Designing, developing, integrating and verifying advanced optical systems
• Providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams
• Providing manufacturing and supply chain support including assembly and test definition and non-conformance resolution
• Managing queries and technical input across multiple concurrent projects
• Documenting and sharing knowledge to strengthen team-wide capabilities

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys switching gears between projects, thrives on solving complex problems, and brings clarity to fast-moving technical discussions.
What We're Looking For
You'll bring:

• A Bachelor or Masters Degree (BEng, BSc, MEng, MSc) in a Numerate, Scientific or Engineering subject or Higher Education/equivalent training and experience, ideally with a focus on optics
• Hands-on experience with optical assembly and test techniques
• The ability to define and contribute to opto-mechanical build and test procedures
• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to technical challenges
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive mindset and the ability to manage competing priorities with precision

Bonus Skills (Desirable, but not Essential)

• Familiarity with design tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or FRED
• Understanding of materials and coatings for optical applications
• Knowledge of emerging optical technologies and trends
• Experience with stray light analysis techniques

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. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
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.
For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency -
#LI-CL1
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.
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. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.
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. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact for mid to senior roles, or the for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!

Skills Required