Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Engineer / Test Design Engineer
The advert says the job needs UK security clearance:
“This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats.”
SC clearance usually needs five years of living in the UK, and DV clearance usually needs ten. If you have lived here that long, for example on a Student and then a Graduate visa, you may be able to get it. Most people applying from outside the UK cannot, so the highest likelihood we give this job is Unlikely. Ask Thales UK Limited whether they would sponsor you.
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£52,000
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2124 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 39% sure that is the right code. Thales UK Limited is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
This could also be SOC 2136 (IT quality and testing professionals) or SOC 2481 (Quality control and planning engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
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 seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect with a focus on Test Solutions to join our engineering function. In this role, you will define and deliver innovative, robust, and scalable test architectures to support the development, verification, and validation of complex aerospace and defence systems.
As a key member of the engineering team, you will ensure that our test strategies align with customer requirements (including MOD standards), programme needs, and long-term product sustainment. You will shape the technical direction of test systems across the product lifecycle, working at the interface between design engineering, integration, and our customers.
Location(s): Crawley or Reading or Cheadle or Bristol or Glasgow or any other Thales site in the UK
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards
Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support
Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures
Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments
Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle
Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams
Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts
Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices
Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches
Required Skills & Experience
Proven experience as a Test Systems Architect / Test Systems Engineer
Strong background in test system design and architecture
Experience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into test
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customers
Demonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle – from concept through to in-service support
Desirable Skills
Experience with test automation
Knowledge of safety, security, and information assurance in defence systems
What We Offer
Opportunity to shape next-generation test systems for critical aerospace and defence programmes
Work on challenging projects with direct impact on UK defence capability
Professional development support, including chartership and advanced training
Hybrid and flexible working options.
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 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. 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.
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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!
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Thales UK Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Electronics engineers (SOC 2124) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~17k in sample- Middle half £41,080–63,180
- Median £48,672
- Going rate £52,000
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £36,400–46,800
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Thales UK Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2124 going rate of £52,000. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.