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.

Systems Architect - Weapon Systems (IAS)
Location: based in Belfast, minimum 3 days/ week in office (hybrid), with <15% travel
Other: permanent, full-time

Interested in shaping the future of advanced Weapon Systems? Read on to discover how you can play a pivotal role in defining next-generation capabilities, influencing technical strategy, and delivering innovative solutions to customers.

What the role has to offer

• Shape Future Capability: Lead the development of cutting-edge Weapon System architectures and technology roadmaps that influence future defence solutions

• High Impact, High Visibility: Work directly with customers, senior stakeholders, and product leaders, acting as a key technical authority across major programmes and strategic initiatives

• Innovation at the Forefront: Evaluate emerging technologies, de-risk future capabilities, and turn advanced concepts into operational products that deliver real-world impact

Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Capability Development - Weapon Systems within the IAS Technical Directorate, this is a rare opportunity to influence the future of advanced defence capability. As a System Architect, you will lead the development of innovative Weapon System solutions, shaping architectures, technology roadmaps, and strategic investment decisions that drive next-generation products. Working at the intersection of engineering, technology, and customer engagement, you will provide technical leadership across bids, programmes, and product development, ensuring solutions deliver operational excellence, performance, and value.

We are looking for an experienced Systems Architect or Technical Leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and turning emerging technologies into real-world capability. You'll be a credible technical authority, confidently engaging with customers and senior stakeholders while providing governance across the product lifecycle. If you're passionate about innovation, systems thinking, and shaping the future of Weapon Systems, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Building a Future, we can all trust.

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.
 

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 bonus

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare

• 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

Main Responsibilities 

• Define and evolve Weapon System architectures, including Concepts of Operation, functional partitioning, interfaces, and system-level design to meet operational, technical, and customer requirements

• Develop innovative technical solutions and proposals for complex Weapon Systems, balancing cost, schedule, performance, risk, and compliance within bid and programme constraints

• Provide technical leadership and governance across the development lifecycle, ensuring engineering activities, system designs, and project deliverables comply with requirements, standards, and product policies

• Act as the principal technical interface for customers, partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, supporting technical discussions, requirement trade-offs, and the successful delivery of development opportunities

• Maintain and apply domain expertise in Weapon Systems, related sub-systems, speciality engineering disciplines, and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities to enhance capability and competitive advantage

• Support Design Authority activities and communicate technical solutions effectively, using system architecture tools and methodologies to capture, develop, and present system designs to stakeholders across the business and customer community

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.

Ideal Experience & Skills

Essential

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with the ability to obtain and maintain UK SC clearance

• Significant experience in senior engineering, systems architecture, technical leadership, or product development roles within a complex technology environment

• Proven expertise in architecting, developing and managing complex systems, including ownership of technical solutions across the product lifecycle

• Experience developing and delivering technical roadmaps, aligning technology, product strategy, and business objectives

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence customers, partners, suppliers, and senior internal stakeholders

• Demonstrable leadership capability, able to work independently, provide objective technical direction, manage technical risk, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional leadership teams

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent professional accreditation

• Experience in a Design Authority, Chief Engineer, or similar technical governance role, providing oversight of complex programmes or products

• Knowledge of Weapon Systems and Short-Range Defence, including operational concepts, relevant sub-systems, emerging technologies, and product lifecycle management

If you're a technically minded leader with a passion for complex systems and emerging technologies, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us deliver the next generation of world-leading defence capabilities.
 

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 Security Clearance (SC). 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. 

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: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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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!