Algorithm Developer
Location: Cheadle, requires full-time presence at our location
Dive into innovation with General Sonar Studies (GSS)!
What the role has to offer
Drive innovation in underwater systems by supporting R&D activities that shape the future of sonar and maritime capabilities
Contribute to high-impact projects - our General Sonar Studies team delivers low TRL (technology readiness levels) 1-5 study activities to external and internal customers
Work alongside top-tier experts to develop revolutionary processing techniques that help customers make smarter decisions across the mission cycle
Our Opportunity
Looking to make waves in cutting-edge maritime technology? This is your chance to join a fast-moving, forward-thinking team at the forefront of UK sonar research and data exploitation. General Sonar Studies (GSS) operates as a post-doc research group within Thales UK's Defence Mission Systems - focused on delivering breakthrough innovations for Royal Navy underwater platforms, especially in support of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).
We’re tackling some of the toughest challenges in defence, and we do it through deep collaboration - both within Thales and with external partners. If you thrive in a space where ideas flow freely and impact is real, you’ll feel right at home. We’re looking for someone flexible, curious, and proactive - someone who combines academic excellence with real-world problem-solving. You’ll need to be comfortable working independently and as part of a tight-knit team, and confident in your ability to lead, learn, and communicate a clear technical vision. Due to the classified nature of the work, this opportunity is a full-time role with onsite working only - remote work is not available.
Building a Future, we can all trust.
Defence Mission Systems (DMS) supplies products, solutions and services in the field of electronic combat systems, airborne surveillance and reconnaissance systems, above water and under water combat systems. The Underwater Systems Business Line (UWS BL) specializes in underwater systems, focusing on sonars for submarines, surface vessels, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft; mine countermeasures systems; underwater security; and support services. With over 50 years of experience in undersea warfare, UWS is a global leader and key exporter of sonars and related systems for navies. The BL offers a diverse range of products for submarines, surface vessels, mine-countermeasures vessels, unmanned vehicles, and aircraft.
What we offer you
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
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
Champion the creation of innovative, collaborative solutions for Customer Funded R&D Programmes, contributing to high impact bid documents that secure future opportunities and advance technological frontiers
Deliver complex tasks, work packages, and projects with precision—ensuring outcomes are consistently on time, within budget, and aligned with the highest standards of quality and technical excellence
Strengthen customer engagement by providing expert technical support across delegated areas, fostering trusted, long-term relationships with internal stakeholders and external General Sonar Studies clients to unlock future collaborations
Fuel innovation across Thales UK’s R&D ecosystem by contributing fresh ideas, novel concepts, and breakthrough solutions that shape the next generation of maritime technologies
Craft compelling technical outputs—including reports, presentations, and scientific papers—that showcase cutting-edge innovation and elevate the visibility of internal and external research achievements
Lead diverse technical initiatives, from developing advanced sonar processing algorithms and data fusion techniques to conducting performance prediction studies and trial analyses that inform strategic decision-making
Advance sonar capability development by identifying emerging field opportunities and integrating them into forward-looking R&D strategies. Provide deep analytical and mathematical expertise to support the evolution of signal and data processing algorithms
Elevate the reputation and impact of sonar research within Maritime Mission Systems (MMS), positioning the team as a centre of excellence in advanced underwater sensing and signal intelligence
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.
You’ll ideally have a PhD in maths, statistics, physics, engineering or computing - but if you’ve got an MSc or MMath (1st class only) and solid experience in algorithm development, that works too; we will also consider individuals with a MPhil
If you’ve got a background in statistical or stochastic processes, that’s a big plus
We love problem solvers. If you’ve shown you can tackle tough challenges - whether flying solo or working in a tight-knit team - that’s exactly what we need
You should be comfortable with Matlab (or something similar) and know your way around Word and PowerPoint. Bonus points if you’ve dabbled in C/C++ and understand object-oriented programming
We’ll want to see examples of your technical writing and presentation skills - think reports, papers, seminars, conferences, the works
Familiarity with UK in-service sonar systems and maritime capabilities would be great, but it’s not a dealbreaker
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds - including those outside defence or maritime sectors. Fresh perspectives are always valued
Ready to shape the future of maritime innovation? Apply now, we look forward to hearing from you.
UKEO (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.
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.
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.
#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.
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