Principal Hardware Architect
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom (Minimum 3 days onsite)
Thales Underwater Systems (UWS) designs, develops and supports sonar systems for anti‑submarine warfare and mine hunting. We seek a Principal Hardware Architect to join a close‑knit, friendly and hardworking team.
About the role
* Provide support to the PDA (Project Design Authority) and PLA (Product Line Authority) in a technical capacity.
* Analyse the customer’s and other stakeholders’ needs using advanced studies, simulations, mock‑ups, models, prototypes, etc.
* Describe the requirements, functions and interfaces for the component or sub‑system.
* Formalise the specification and architectural design to develop the component or sub‑system.
* Prepare and perform the component or sub‑system verification and validation tests.
* Ensure hardware architecture stability is maintained across lifecycle phases from bid to delivery.
* Direct and coordinate hardware architecture studies.
* Approve the technical, technological, and methodological choices for the selected hardware architecture.
* Guarantee adherence to in‑scope standards, reuse policy and product development plans.
* Identify modelling, simulation and prototyping opportunities.
* Co‑ordinate product definition and assess trade‑offs between cost, customer requirements and technological possibilities.
* Prepare the Design & Justification Files.
* Provide knowledge on state‑of‑the‑art hardware architecting and future developments.
* Monitor technological developments.
* If mechanically or electrically biased, lead the design elements specific for that discipline.
* Support and mentor other team members.
About You
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive “can‑do” mentality.
* Logical problem‑solving approaches.
* Ability to understand and implement Product Line Engineering strategies.
* Technical leadership of design and development activities, interfacing with other disciplines.
* Knowledge of Systems Engineering toolsets, practices and lifecycles.
Experience
* Minimum five years in an engineering role relevant to the maritime, aerospace, defence or similar field.
* Experience in mechanical or electronics design is highly valued.
* Desirable: experience with underwater acoustics, sonar, systems engineering, sub‑sea equipment design, Design for Cost/Manufacture and IVVQ activities.
Qualifications
* HNC/HND/Degree or proven experience in a similar role of at least 10 years.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, this role requires you to be a UK National and obtain Security Clearance (SC) without caveats. Current clearance is an advantage; otherwise, clearance must be achieved before commencing employment.
Benefits
* Competitive base salary and benefits package, including pension scheme.
* Half‑day Fridays, hybrid working, 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
* Life cover, mental wellbeing app, 24/7 employee assistance program.
* Progression and development opportunities, relocation support where appropriate.
* Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers.
Equal Opportunities
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
Recruitment Process
We provide an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, offering reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with disabilities. Contact Resourcing Ops or the Early Careers Team for support.
Apply Now
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