Full-Time

Firmware Architect

Deadline 6/26/26
Thales

Thales

10,001+ employees

Global defense and aerospace electronics

No salary listed

Bristol, UK + 2 more

More locations: Reading, UK | Crawley, UK

Hybrid

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Verilog
MATLAB
VHDL
C/C++
Requirements
  • Strong communications, verbally and in writing.
  • Experience Leading Firmware design/architecture.
  • Verification Test bench architecture with SystemVerilog or C++.
  • Verification Methodology: Advanced VHDL verification or OSVVM/UVVM.
  • Requirements Management: IBM Rational DOORS.
  • Simulation of designs using simulator tools: Mentor Graphics ModelSim/QuestaSim.
  • Digital electronic design in hardware development languages: VHDL and Verilog or SystemVerilog.
  • Implementation of complex designs using vendor specific development tools.
  • Technologies: PCIe, Ethernet, Serial Communications, AXI4.
  • Object Oriented design Techniques.
  • Image processing techniques and algorithms.
  • Algorithm development using MATLAB.
  • Eligibility to obtain Security Clearance (SC) as required for the role.
Desired Qualifications
  • A relevant degree (BEng, MEng, EngD, PhD) and a membership or fellowship of a professional engineering body preferably with or working towards chartered status.
  • Experience with interfacing with external customers as well as internal stakeholders and having held responsibility for firmware development within complex systems.

Thales designs and delivers critical technology for aerospace, defense, and digital security, including electronics, software, and data-security systems used in air travel, credit cards, and modern military platforms. It combines hardware and software to create avionics, radar, cybersecurity, and secure communications systems that collect sensor data, run specialized software, and protect networks. It distinguishes itself through end-to-end solutions across defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, ongoing deep-tech research in AI and quantum, and strategic acquisitions such as Gemalto and Imperva, plus its partial state ownership. Its goal is to provide reliable, secure, and connected technologies that support national security, public safety, and everyday life by solving complex security and connectivity challenges.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Meudon, France

Founded

1893

Your Connections

People at Thales who can refer or advise you

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Rising defense budgets support air defense, drones, and precision strike.
  • Cybersecurity scale increases after Imperva added about $500 million revenue.
  • European sovereignty demand favors Thales's secure, domestic industrial partnerships.

What critics are saying

  • Military procurement cycles delay revenue recognition and production ramp.
  • Integration across acquisitions strains management, systems, and margin execution.
  • Export controls and political scrutiny constrain lethal-drone and weapons sales.

What makes Thales unique

  • State-backed systems integrator across defense, aerospace, and digital security.
  • Deep acquisition-led expansion, including Gemalto and Imperva.
  • Heavy R&D spending in AI, quantum, 6G, and cybersecurity.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

9%
Raksha Anirveda
Jun 19th, 2026
Schiebel and Thales unveil armed Camcopter S-301 drone at Eurosatory 2026.

Schiebel and Thales unveil armed Camcopter S-301 drone at Eurosatory 2026. June 19, 2026 Paris. Austrian drone manufacturer Schiebel, in collaboration with defence leader Thales, has unveiled an armed variant of its next-generation Camcopter S-301 vertical take-off and landing drone, creating a lethal sensor-to-shooter platform. The rapid transformation of contemporary combat zones highlights a vital operational requirement for versatile unmanned aircraft capable of executing persistent reconnaissance and direct strike actions simultaneously. Staged during the Eurosatory international defence exhibition in Paris, the public debut of the weaponised Camcopter S-301 system represents a major evolutionary leap for tactical rotary-wing drones. Developed under the specialised stewardship of Schiebel Defence, the high-performance platform has been extensively modified to act as a unified airborne engagement hub. By seamlessly integrating guided rockets alongside newly engineered loitering munitions, the heavy-lift uncrewed helicopter completely compresses the traditional military kill chain, allowing front-line commanders to locate, track, and destroy high-value assets without deploying separate tracking assets or relying on external artillery networks. The baseline engineering of the platform is designed to sustain demanding multi-domain missions across both land and naval environments. Weighing four hundred and eighty-five kilogrames, the rugged airframe stands one-point-eight metres tall and relies on a combat-proven heavy-fuel engine that is fully compatible with standard NATO aviation fuels, streamlining field logistics. With a maximum gross payload capacity of three hundred and fifty kilogrames, the uncrewed helicopter delivers an exceptional flight endurance of up to 10 hours and an operational ceiling of 55 hundred metres. As it uses a vertical take-off and landing framework, the system operates independently from vulnerable runway infrastructure, launching directly from unfortified forward locations or the restricted helipads of single-spot naval vessels. Furthermore, advanced built-in flight control software allows for complete operational autonomy, including automated launch and recovery parameters, pre-planned flight route management, and seamless emergency return-to-base protocols. The defining characteristic of the Eurosatory presentation is the platform's devastating, multi-tiered strike loadout mounted on reinforced wing stubs. For direct kinetic engagements, the drone is outfitted with two Thales rocket pods containing laser-guided munitions, which deliver pinpoint precision against fixed positions and moving vehicles at stand-off ranges. This direct-fire capability is powerfully augmented by the integration of the brand-new Toutatis loitering munition system, a cutting-edge short-range strike asset developed through an industrial partnership between Thales and the Renault Group. Weighing less than five kilogrames and sporting a modular wingspan under one metre, the Toutatis drone is ejected directly from the airborne helicopter, reaching attack speeds of over 150 kilometres per hour across a 30-kilometre range. Equipped with an interchangeable one-kilograms warhead, this sub-munition can linger stealthily over a target area for up to 30 minutes, giving operators an option to defeat light armoured targets and infantry fighting vehicles with surgical accuracy. To ensure survival in highly contested modern environments, the rotary platform relies on deep sensor fusion and robust electronic hardening. Alongside its heavy weapon load, the platform carries advanced day-and-night electro-optical and infrared targeting gimbals, maritime surveillance radars, and active electronic warfare suites to maintain total situational dominance. All onboard software architectures are integrated with embedded artificial intelligence routines designed to handle target classification and flight tracking automatically. Crucially, the drone features redundant navigation arrays that isolate the vehicle from tactical jamming and loss of satellite signals, ensuring mission success even under severe electronic assault. As European defence forces aggressively pursue modular, sovereign technologies to counter asymmetric threats, this armed vertical take-off asset establishes a formidable new benchmark for responsive aerial lethality.

Raksha Anirveda
Jun 19th, 2026
Long-Range precision strike: Thales and Hanwha sign MoU to ensure the compatibility of Hanwha Chunmoo guided missiles with Thales launcher X-Fire.

Long-Range precision strike: Thales and Hanwha sign MoU to ensure the compatibility of Hanwha Chunmoo guided missiles with Thales launcher X-Fire. June 19, 2026 Paris: Hanwha Aerospace and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on land-based long-range precision strike capabilities. Hanwha will adapt its Chunmoo guided missiles to be compatible with Thales' X-Fire launcher platforms. This partnership strengthens collaboration between European and Korean industries, focusing on the international market. Hanwha will support Thales's solution for deep strike systems by ensuring its Chunmoo guided missiles are compatible with Thales' X-Fire launcher platforms. The MoU was signed on June 17 at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris and was attended by Kyoung-hoon Kang, Head of the European Business Team at Hanwha Aerospace, and Julien Assoun, Vice-President Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales, along with representatives from both companies. Under the agreement, the two companies will pursue technical cooperation to ensure capability of three weapons from Hanwha's Chunmoo family with Thales X-Fire launcher platforms: * The CGR080 is a guided rocket with a range of up to about 80 km, available immediately, * The CTM-MR, a medium-range missile in the roughly 160 km class, * The CTM290, a tactical ballistic missile with a range of up to 290 km. By enabling compatibility with Thales X-Fire launcher platforms, Hanwha supports Thales's solution to meet the current operational needs in deep strike. The X-Fire ground-based launcher, developed by Thales and Soframe, is versatile and interoperable, designed to fire any type of long-range munition. It has already conducted its first demonstration firings on 20 May 2026. Modern and extremely mobile, this launcher is capable of rapid deployment, making it particularly well-suited to today's missions. Furthermore, its training capabilities have already been demonstrated. This agreement strengthens the cooperation between European and Korean companies, with Hanwha Aerospace working closely alongside the local European industry, and both companies exploring further collaboration opportunities in European markets. "This MoU strengthens our partnership and enhances long-range precision strike capabilities to reinforce collaboration on the international market. Together, we will deliver flexible and interoperable solutions to meet the current operational needs in deep strike," stated Julien Assoun, Vice-President Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales. Kyoung-hoon Kang, Head of the European Business Team, Hanwha Aerospace said, "This MoU is a starting point for combining Hanwha Aerospace's guided missiles with Thales's launcher platforms. We will continue to look for ways to cooperate with local industry in France and across Europe."

iTWire
Jun 19th, 2026
Operator XR signs MOU with Thales Australia to expand training and simulation capabilities across Defence and Security markets.

Operator XR signs MOU with Thales Australia to expand training and simulation capabilities across Defence and Security markets. A two-way collaboration: Operator XR and Thales Australia will jointly pursue defence, security and law enforcement training and simulation programs in which either party may lead. Highlights * xReality Group Limited (ASX: XRG) subsidiary Operator XR Pty Ltd (Operator XR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thales Australia Limited (Thales). * The MOU sets a framework for the parties to jointly pursue training and simulation programs across the defence, security and law enforcement markets. * The relationship is reciprocal in which either party can lead or support the other, depending on the opportunity, while leveraging Thales's global reach and Operator XR's market penetration. * This collaboration reinforces Thales's commitment to delivering next-generation training and simulation solutions that enhance armed forces' operational readiness and safety across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. xReality Group Limited (ASX: XRG) (the Company) advises that its subsidiary Operator XR has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Thales Australia Limited. Thales Australia is part of the global Thales Group and a leading provider of training and simulation systems and services. Under the MOU, the parties may conduct joint business development, including tender responses, customer engagements and capability demonstrations, to develop competitive offerings for defence, security and law enforcement customers. The relationship is two-way. On Thales-led opportunities, Operator XR's in-service training technology can reach programs of a scale beyond its current direct footprint. On Operator XR-led opportunities, Thales can contribute as a supplier or subcontractor. Each party may act as prime contractor or supplier to the other, depending on the opportunity. Commentary "This is a genuine two-way collaboration with a global defence prime. It opens a path to programs of a scale that would be difficult to reach on our own and equally allows us to bring Thales's capability into opportunities we lead. It is a strong endorsement of our technology, and we look forward to pursuing these opportunities together." Ben Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, xReality Group "Teaming up with innovative Australian companies like Operator XR is central to how Thales Australia builds sovereign capability and competitive solutions for our customers. Operator XR's immersive training technology is a strong complement to our Small Arms and Live training and simulation products and services, and we look forward to working together to pursue opportunities across the defence, security and law enforcement markets, in Australia and internationally." Michael Otero, General Manager, Training & Simulation / Avionics, Thales Australia

Executive Mosaic
Jun 18th, 2026
Renault, Thales unveil 4 TROOP tactical vehicle at Eurosatory.

Renault, Thales unveil 4 TROOP tactical vehicle at Eurosatory. * Renault Group and Thales have unveiled 4 TROOP, a prototype multi-mission military vehicle built on a Renault civilian platform * The prototype was presented at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris * 4 TROOP is designed to act as a mobile command post that can direct drones, fuse sensor data and run AI tools to speed up crew decisions Renault Group and Thales have adapted a civilian Renault platform into a prototype multi-mission military vehicle packed with battlefield electronics, unveiling it at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris. Thales said Monday the vehicle, called 4 TROOP, was presented at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris. It is a prototype derived from Renault's multi-role civil vehicle, reworked to meet emerging needs for land forces. What can 4 TROOP do? Designed for stealth and endurance, the 4x4 platform features a hybrid drivetrain engineered for silent operations without compromising extended operational range. Its core role is to serve as a mobile command post: it can direct and coordinate both aerial and ground drones, fuse data from onboard sensors, and run AI tools that help crews make sense of a situation faster. Equipped with Thales secure communications and the Combat Digital Platform, the vehicle also features a vehicle-to-load function to provide mobile power for field-deployed electronic assets. Beyond command duties, the partners pitched 4 TROOP for reconnaissance, troop coordination, escort, logistics and area surveillance, with a configuration that can be tailored to a given mission. Why adapt a civilian vehicle for Combat? "With the VCMR, which draws on the extensive range of Renault Group platforms, we are exploring a pragmatic, sovereign approach to operational mobility to quickly address new armed forces requirements and enhance the ability to anticipate developments and take action in the theatre of operations," said Franck Naro, Renault's engineering vice president for vehicle projects and operations. "Building on tried-and-trusted civil platforms and our industrial production capacity, we are proposing an agile, resilient capability that can be mobilised immediately," he added. What else did Thales show at Eurosatory? 4 TROOP was one of several systems Thales brought to Eurosatory, where much of its lineup focused on defeating drones. The company also launched the LGR275 Proxy, a 70mm laser-guided rocket fitted with a proximity sensor to defeat drones, expanding its SkyDefender air and missile defense system. It also introduced RapidStriker, a mobile anti-drone system that pairs 360-degree detection and automated fire control with a mix of rockets, cannon and loitering munitions. On the platform side, Thales Australia revealed a next-generation Bushmaster utility variant, dubbed Mulga, built to carry sensors, effectors and mission systems for roles, including counter-drone work and electronic warfare. Thales also unveiled Gladiator Training Data Analytics, an AI tool that converts live-training data into after-action review insights and runs offline for data security.

MilitaryLeak
Jun 15th, 2026
Thales unveils next-gen Bushmaster mulga utility variant at eurosatory tradeshow.

Thales unveils next-gen Bushmaster mulga utility variant at eurosatory tradeshow. June 15, 2026 As battlefields become more connected and threats such as drones become ubiquitous, military vehicles need to be capable of meeting multiple mission needs, including detecting threats, sharing information, supporting autonomous systems and integrating new technologies quickly. The Bushmaster 5.6 has been developed to fulfil this role, rapidly evolving into a highly connected sensor and effector platform ready for the demands of modern and future warfare, by adding powerful offensive capabilities to its traditional defensive role, such as Thales laser guided rockets, for example. With this upgrade, the Bushmaster family will combine its combat-proven protected mobility and agility with offensive capability against new threats. The Bushmaster, produced in Bendigo, Victoria (Australia), continues to evolve to best serve the needs of its crews and operators, incorporating new front-door access, improved vehicle entry, digital displays and advanced vehicle monitoring systems so to improve usability, sustainment and support in the field.it has been successfully deployed and trusted by armed forces around the world and continues to evolve through ongoing innovation, integration of operational lessons and customer collaboration. Discover more Defense contract updates Aerospace technology news Naval platforms technology "The Bushmaster has built a global reputation for protection, mobility and reliability - this next-generation vehicle demonstrates how the platform continues to evolve in response to changing threats, emerging technologies and customer needs. Already a trusted defender, the Bushmaster 5.6 has been designed to provide greater flexibility for modern missions, particularly in areas like counter drone operations, sensing, communications and electronic warfare," says Julien Assoun, Vice-President Vehicles and Tactical Systems. The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle or Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian-built four-wheel drive armoured vehicle. The Bushmaster was primarily designed by the then-government-owned Australian Defence Industries (ADI) and is currently produced by Thales Australia following its acquisition of ADI. The Bushmaster is currently in service with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Netherlands Army, British Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Indonesian Army, Fiji Infantry Regiment, Jamaica Defence Force, New Zealand Army and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Transportation of infantry, incorporating full protection from small arms fire, was the primary role for which the Bushmaster was designed; infantry would dismount from the vehicle before going into action. As it was lightly armoured, the term infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) was initially used, rather than armoured personnel carrier, to distinguish the Bushmaster from heavier wheeled and tracked APCs used by the Australian Army, such as the ASLAV and M113. Discover more Military technology reviews Naval vessel technology Defense industry insights Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion. Thales Australia is an Australian-run company like no other with enduring and unique national security, defence, tech, cyber and manufacturing capabilities that make Australia more secure and allow Thales to be the trusted partner of the nation. As a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force in the Land, Sea and Air environment, Thales Australia employs over 4,500 people in Australia at 35 sites, and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain. Post Views: 68