2026 Machine Learning Operations (ML Ops) Graduate
Join to apply for the 2026 Machine Learning Operations (ML Ops) Graduate role at Thales.
Location: Crawley, United Kingdom
In fast‑changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. We are 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 tomorrow's possible.
We offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their careers, with flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Location: Crawley
Employee Type: Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Are you passionate about AI, Machine Learning and emerging technologies? Are you future‑thinking, innovative and able to manage technical complexity? Join our Graduate Programme to be challenged and developed.
What the Role Has To Offer
* Permanent role from day one – no need to apply for a role upon programme completion!
* Exciting and innovative projects that will challenge and develop you
* Learn from the best, working alongside industry experts in our global CortAIx team
* A fully funded Applied AI Engineering development programme and qualification
New for this year, this is an exciting opportunity to join our Digital Graduate Scheme, designed to create the next generation of digital experts and to support the Thales UK digital transformation.
We are looking for future‑thinking people who can use their initiative and fuel innovation through self‑directed learning. Successful candidates will navigate technical complexity and uncertainty, communicate at all levels across technical and non‑technical teams, and have a passion for solving complex business problems.
CortAIx and Thales
At Thales we focus on building and delivering robust, real‑world AI and Data solutions that make a tangible impact for our customers and society. Our global CortAIx initiative unites over 600 AI and data specialists dedicated to developing trusted, operationally effective AI‑powered systems for challenging and complex environments. In the UK, CortAIx is accelerating this mission by fostering technology, talent and research focused on ethical, transparent, and explainable AI. This programme presents a significant opportunity to work alongside our in‑house experts, while working towards a professional qualification in Applied AI Engineering.
Graduate Programme
During this two‑year programme, you will receive sponsorship and guidance from the CortAIx Leadership team, following a structured and detailed learning path to fast‑track your development within your role.
After induction, you may enroll in an Applied AI Engineering qualification with our external provider Corndel, delivered in partnership with Imperial College London and supported by Microsoft. This qualification runs throughout your graduate programme and culminates with an End‑Point Assessment and a Level 6 Machine Learning Apprenticeship qualification. You will be given time each week to focus on academic studies, while the rest of the time you will work alongside our ML experts, applying academic learning to real‑life projects and challenges.
Requirements
You will have gained or be on track to achieve a bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject in one of the following areas:
* Computer Science
* Mathematics (BSc)
* Physics (BSc)
* Applied Neuroscience (BSc)
* Data Science (BSc)
* All other digital degrees will be considered, but you must not hold a degree in an AI or Machine Learning related discipline.
Graduate Development Programme (GDP) activities take place during the working week but may require personal time for travel and follow‑up. You may need to travel within the UK as part of GDP activities.
Benefits
* 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
* Company Pension
* Health Care Cash Plan
* Life Insurance
* Discount Portal
* Performance‑related pay uplifts
* 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
Closing date: 11:59 pm on Monday 5 January 2026. Applications will close at this time. We may contact shortlisted candidates by end of February 2026. Roles may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications.
Recruitment Process
For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent – Connect. All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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