Algorithm Developer
Location: Cheadle, requires full-time presence at our location.
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 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
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
* You’ll ideally have a PhD in maths, statistics, physics, engineering or computing – but an MSc or MMath (1st class only) with solid experience in algorithm development also works; MPhil candidates are considered
* A background in statistical or stochastic processes is a big plus
* We love problem solvers. If you have shown you can tackle tough challenges – whether flying solo or in a tight‑knit team – that’s exactly what we need
* You should be comfortable with Matlab (or something similar) and familiar with Word and PowerPoint; bonus points for experience in C/C++ and object‑oriented programming
* We 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
What We Offer You
* Pension match like‑for‑like up to 7% of annual base salary
* Life Assurance 2 × base salary minimum (8 × 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 1:00 pm
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* 24‑hour paid leave for volunteering activities
* Access to flexible benefits and discounts (dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more)
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, 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 (a minimum of 3 years may be accepted in some circumstances with additional overseas checks). 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.
At Thales we are 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 the appropriate teams.
We are an equal opportunity employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of gender, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic as required by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr