Quantum Research Engineer

Location: Reading, full‑time hybrid working with 3 days in the office plus travel.

In fast‑changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make tomorrow's possibilities real. 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 flexibility: 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.

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• Opportunity to design cutting‑edge quantum algorithms, advance pioneering research exploiting quantum principles, and deliver revolutionary, real‑world solutions for a diverse range of clients.
  
• Collaborate with the Thales global quantum network across research, industry, academia and government to drive innovation and deliver impactful, revolutionary technologies.
  
• Act as a subject‑matter expert and contribute to planning future research activities, helping to identify and formulate proposals for funding opportunities.
  

In this role you will dive into cutting‑edge, low‑TRL (Technology Readiness Level) research and development focused on the revolutionary field of quantum technologies – spanning sensing, communications, algorithms and computing. Collaborating with a small but dynamic team to push the boundaries of what is possible, you will contribute to pioneering research, exploit emerging novel technology for real‑world benefit, and craft compelling bids for external funding. By working closely with external technology partners, you will help shape a strategic roadmap that brings quantum technologies from concept to real‑world applications across diverse business use cases. This is your chance to be part of a visionary journey that will redefine the future of technology at Thales.

If you have a strong background in physics, mathematics, computer science or related fields, coupled with expertise in quantum R&D and algorithm programming, we want to hear from you. We welcome applications from existing Quantum Research Engineers or Quantum Technology Researchers looking for their next move.

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• Competitive salary and benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and professional growth.
  
• Performance‑related annual bonus (VCP).
  
• Pension match like‑for‑like up to 7 % of annual base salary.
  
• Life Assurance 2× base salary minimum (8× 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 1:00 pm.
  
• 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.
  

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• Collaborate effectively within research teams while working independently with flexibility to explore new areas and adapt to diverse working styles.
  
• Identify and evaluate quantum technology use cases across Thales, assessing feasibility and potential integration into future products and services.
  
• Develop proof‑of‑concept demonstrators and contribute to technical roadmaps for quantum algorithms and software evolution.
  
• Lead proposal development for external funding opportunities and mentor graduate researchers, including PhDs and interns.
  
• Design, develop and implement algorithms across domains such as big data, optimisation, cryptography, decision support, information fusion, image and sensor processing, waveform design and complexity analysis.
  
• Manage project progress, reporting, customer communication and test algorithms in real‑world environments to ensure reliability and performance.
  

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. Even if you do not match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

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• Hold a 2:1 honours degree, master’s or PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science or related fields (e.g. AI, algorithm engineering); professional membership and engineering registration encouraged.
  
• Experience in quantum technology R&D across industry and/or academia, with strong knowledge of quantum physics and technologies (sensing, communications and computing).
  
• Proficient in algorithm design, programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C) and skilled at implementing, optimising and validating algorithms on digital platforms.
  
• Capable of critically analysing system requirements, developing specifications and staying current with scientific advancements.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and effective at interpreting customer needs, communicating complex technical concepts and building strong relationships.
  
• Collaborative with strong problem‑solving abilities, delivering innovative, practical and compliant solutions.
  
• Excellent time management, prioritisation, flexibility and commitment to continuous learning, mentoring and combining creative thinking with sound engineering practice.
  

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. For full SC eligibility 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 – United Kingdom Security Vetting – GOV.UK.

We provide career opportunities beyond jobs. With 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 have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!