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 looking for an experienced Overseas Maintenance & UK Support Engineer to join our Air Traffic Control and Network Infrastructure team. This unique role combines overseas operational support in the Falkland Islands with project engineering and system development activities in the UK, offering an exciting opportunity to work on mission-critical communications and air traffic management infrastructure.

This position is ideally suited to someone who thrives on responsibility, enjoys working independently, and has a passion for maintaining and developing complex technical systems in challenging environments.

Location: Falkland Islands & Crawley

What the role has to offer

You'll play a key role in maintaining and supporting critical network infrastructure and air traffic control systems, ensuring operational availability in a demanding and remote environment.

The role includes rotational deployments to the Falkland Islands, typically comprising 10-week assignments, working alongside a team of engineers to provide continuous support. When not deployed, you will be based in the UK, supporting engineering projects, future network solutions and technology transition activities.

Flights to and from the Falkland Islands are provided, with accommodation and meals supplied whilst in territory.

What you'll be doing

As an Overseas Maintenance & UK Support Engineer, you will:

• Deliver Level 1 and Level 2 maintenance activities, with occasional involvement in Level 3 support activities.
• Perform corrective maintenance including fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, equipment repair and replacement of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).
• Carry out software updates, system configuration changes and testing activities.
• Undertake preventative maintenance to ensure equipment performance remains within operational parameters.
• Complete planned maintenance tasks including equipment inspections, cleaning, battery checks and system housekeeping activities.
• Produce maintenance reports and provide timely updates to Thales stakeholders.
• Collaborate with remote specialist engineers during complex fault investigations.
• Support engineering project activities, planning and service improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, verification and transition of future network solutions and replacement SDH technologies.
• Support the delivery of critical communications and air traffic management services in a highly operational environment.

About you

We're looking for a motivated engineer who can work independently, solve problems effectively and build strong relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

• Minimum 4 years' experience working with SDH or similar telecommunications/network infrastructure equipment.
• Experience in fault diagnosis, troubleshooting and equipment rectification.
• At least 1 year's experience in an airside engineering maintenance environment.
• Experience working within military or civil Air Traffic Control environments.
• Experience supporting system development, integration or transition into service activities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable knowledge

Experience with one or more of the following:

• SDH systems
• Air Traffic Control Tower systems
• Air Navigation or Navigational Aid systems
• Communications and network infrastructure technologies

Skills and behaviours

You'll be someone who demonstrates:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Good IT proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.
• High levels of self-motivation and initiative.
• The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and willingness to work in remote locations.
• A collaborative and team-focused approach.

Security Clearance Requirement

UK Eyes Only:

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. 

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.

LI-DOM

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.

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