Location: Reading, United KingdomIn 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 our tomorrow's possible.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.
Quantum Research Engineer
Location: Reading, full-time hybrid working with 3 days in the office plus travel
Join Thales and be at the forefront of specialising in sensing and algorithm project related work, where you'll work towards ensuring the real-world exploitation of quantum technologies including novel sensors, communications and computing.
What the role has to offer
- 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 Thales’ global quantum network across research, industry, academia, and government to drive innovation and deliver impactful, revolutionary technologies
- Act as subject matter expert, and contribute to planning of future research activities, helping to identify and formulate proposals for funding opportunities
Our Opportunity
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's possible, you will contribute to pioneering research, exploiting emerging novel technology for real-world benefit, and crafting compelling bids for external funding. By working closely with external technology partners, you'll 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.
Building a Future, we can all trust.
Thales leverages quantum sensing for navigation and stealth detection, quantum communications will secure the future’s sensitive information and quantum computing to solve currently intractable real-world problems.
What we offer you
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
- Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
- Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
- Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x 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 1:00pm
- 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
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
- Collaborate effectively within research teams while also 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, optimization, 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
About You
At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't 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.
Essential:
- Hold a 2:1 honours degree, master’s, or PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields (e.g., AI, Algorithm Engineering), with professional membership and engineering registration encouraged
- Experience in quantum technology research & development (R&D) across industry and/or academia, with strong knowledge of quantum physics and technologies (e.g. sensing, communications & computing)
- Proficient in algorithm design, programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C), and skilled at implementing, optimizing, 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, prioritization, flexibility, and commitment to continuous learning, mentoring, and combining creative thinking with sound engineering practice
If you’re passionate about innovation, enjoy collaborative research environments, and want to make a tangible impact through breakthrough quantum solutions, apply now and help us lead the quantum revolution.
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 - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
#LI-VG1
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 Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The quantum research engineering function serves as a critical bridge within the technology translation pathway, moving theoretical breakthroughs into the domain of applied systems. This role is structurally necessary to address the widening gap between foundational physics and industrial-grade reliability across sensing, communications, and computing architectures. By operating at the intersection of low-TRL research and systems engineering, the function directly influences the speed of quantum technology adoption in high-stakes sectors like aerospace and defense. Market signals, including national quantum strategies and venture capital shifts toward "deep tech" industrialization, underscore the scarcity of talent capable of navigating this transition. Ultimately, this role drives the conversion of quantum principles into stable, field-deployable assets that secure a competitive advantage in global technology markets.
This role type occupies a pivotal position within the "systems and applications" layer of the quantum value chain, acting as a functional link between core hardware development and end-user requirements. While much of the early quantum ecosystem focused on pure hardware modality or high-level algorithm theory, the current macro trend involves the urgent need for cross-layer integration. This shift is driven by the realization that quantum advantage is only achievable if algorithms are optimized for the specific constraints of near-term hardware and if sensors can be integrated into existing classical infrastructure without significant performance degradation.
A primary constraint facing the sector is the "translation bottleneck," where laboratory-scale successes struggle to meet the rigorous environmental and operational standards required for commercial or defense deployment. This is compounded by a global talent shortage that favors individuals who possess a dual mastery of quantum mechanics and classical engineering disciplines, such as digital signal processing and high-performance computing. Thales and similar Tier-1 technology integrators are essential in mitigating this risk by establishing internal research pipelines that harmonize heterogeneous quantum sub-systems into cohesive roadmaps.
Furthermore, the industry is witnessing a transition from standalone quantum experimentation toward hybrid classical-quantum workflows. This evolution requires the development of robust interoperability standards and benchmarking protocols. The strategic focus is no longer solely on qubit counts or theoretical gate fidelities but on the "useful TRL" of the entire system. Consequently, the research engineer serves as an ecosystem orchestrator, ensuring that public and private funding cycles translate into reproducible, scalable technologies that can withstand the complexities of real-world operational environments.
The technical architecture of this role is defined by the fusion of advanced physics with high-level computational modeling and systems design. Capability domains include the development of specialized algorithms for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, where error mitigation and resource optimization are paramount for achieving practical throughput. This requires a deep interface with the tooling layer, including professional-grade programming environments for algorithm validation and proof-of-concept demonstrator development.
These capabilities are essential for ensuring the stability and interoperability of quantum sub-systems within larger mission-critical frameworks. For instance, the ability to design sensing algorithms that can operate amidst significant classical noise determines the viability of quantum navigation systems. Furthermore, the role facilitates a feedback loop between research and hardware, where engineering constraints inform the next generation of theoretical designs. This cross-functional coupling is the primary driver of TRL progression, as it ensures that software evolution keeps pace with hardware maturation. By mastering these interfaces, the function leverages specialized knowledge to reduce the friction of technology adoption and accelerate the timeline for fault-tolerant system deployment.
Accelerates the technology readiness level of emerging quantum sensing and communication sub-systems
Establishes standardized benchmarking protocols for assessing quantum algorithm performance in real-world environments
Reduces the technical friction between foundational research labs and industrial manufacturing pipelines
Increases the reliability of quantum-enhanced solutions for high-integrity sectors like aerospace and defense
Optimizes the resource efficiency of algorithms to maximize the utility of near-term quantum hardware
Strengthens the sovereign technology base by securing high-value intellectual property in quantum engineering
Minimizes the integration risks associated with hybrid classical-quantum computational architectures
Facilitates the translation of national quantum funding into tangible industrial capability and economic value
Drives the development of modular quantum sub-systems that allow for rapid hardware-software iteration
Enhances the precision and stealth capabilities of next-generation navigation and detection platforms
Shortens the development lifecycle for field-deployable quantum-safe communication protocols
Mitigates the global talent gap by institutionalizing cross-disciplinary expertise within major technology integrators
Industry Tags: Quantum Sensing, Algorithm Engineering, Technology Readiness Level, Systems Integration, Quantum Communications, NISQ Optimization, Aerospace and Defense, Quantum Research and Development, Applied Physics, Hybrid Quantum-Classical Systems
Keywords:
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COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATION: Commercial viability of quantum sensors, Market analysis of quantum defense technologies, Thales versus global quantum technology competitors, Investment in UK quantum research infrastructure, Scalability of hybrid quantum computing platforms, Benchmarking quantum algorithms for industrial use
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping, and quantum ecosystem analysis.
