Manufacturing Technology Engineer

About us:

The people we all rely on to make the world go around they rely on a world that is increasingly fast-paced unpredictable and full of possibilities they come to us with great ambitions: to make your life better and safer. Our employees a uniquely diverse mix of expertise talents and cultures develop and deliver exceptional high-tech solutions. Of our 68000 talented individuals in 54 countries 2000 work in the Netherlands. We are one of the largest high-tech employers in the field of safety and security.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of transportation defense space aerospace and cyberspace to master ever-increasing complexity and every decisive moment along the way. We therefore play a leading role in digital transformation focusing on artificial intelligence big data & data analytics connectivity mobility the Internet of Things and cybersecurity.

In the Netherlands we have offices in four cities: Huizen Delft Eindhoven and Hengelo (headquarters). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners customers and suppliers we work on radars for maritime vessels cybersecurity solutions transportation systems communications equipment for land forces cryogenic cooling solutions research and development for radar technology (in collaboration with Delft University of Technology) and research and development for serious gaming (in collaboration with the University of Twente).

The Industrial Engineering Department

The Industrial Engineering department as an integral part of Thales Industrial Competence Center is dedicated to supporting and optimizing the entire lifecycle of production processes for Thales technologically advanced products. With a team of approximately 22 specialized professionals the department combines deep expertise and forward-thinking approaches to ensure that manufacturing and testing operations meet the highest standards in quality efficiency and innovation.

The department is structured around two key roles: Manufacturing Technology Engineers and Test Development Engineers. Manufacturing Technology Engineers focus on developing industrializing and continuously improving robust manufacturing processes including advanced areas such as electronics assembly precision mechanics and surface treatment. Test Development Engineers are responsible for the design implementation and optimization of effective and reliable testing concepts and systems ensuring product quality and compliance throughout the production cycle.

The primary goals of the Industrial Engineering department are:

• Process Optimization: Develop implement and continually refine manufacturing and test processes to ensure reliability repeatability and scalability in production while reducing costs and lead times.
• Technology Industrialization: Translate designs and prototypes into mature manufacturable products employing the latest techniques and technologies for process efficiency and flexibility.
• Quality Assurance: Guarantee the highest levels of product quality and compliance with industry standards by fostering robust process controls state-of-the-art testing and continuous improvement practices.
• Supplier & Production Support: Engage closely with both internal and external production partners offering technical guidance and support to resolve process issues and drive ongoing improvements across the value chain.
• Innovation & Knowledge Sharing: Leverage the collective expertise of the department to introduce innovative solutions share best practices and provide technical training and support to the broader organization.

By bridging product design supplier interface manufacturing operations and test development the Industrial Engineering department plays a vital role in delivering reliable high-quality solutions to Thales customers and in maintaining Thales position as a leader in advanced technology markets.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a dedicated Manufacturing Technology Engineer with expertise in surface treatment whose primary responsibility will be to support guide and collaborate with our engineers and first and second tier suppliers. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that Thales designs and requirements meets our supplier capabilities in terms of technical quality and environmental requirements for surface treatment processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and support to Thales engineers and first and second tier suppliers in the implementation optimization and control of surface treatment processes (e.g. plating anodizing painting coating cleaning) for a wide range of metal and composite parts.
• Assess and qualify suppliers surface treatment capabilities ensuring strict adherence to Thales specifications and applicable industry standards.
• Conduct technical audits and process reviews at supplier sites identifying improvement areas and supporting corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with procurement quality and engineering teams to resolve supplier process deviations and drive robust root cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain surface treatment process documentation control plans and qualification requirements for suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in supply chain surface treatment technologies focusing on cost performance sustainability and compliance.
• Support supplier onboarding and process industrialization for new programs and projects.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across Thales and its supplier network.

Profile Requirements:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Science Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years experience in manufacturing or process engineering with a focus on surface treatment preferably in a supplier-facing quality or process qualification role.
• Solid understanding of surface preparation protective coatings plating chemical conversion coatings and related environmental safety and industry standards (such as NADCAP REACH etc.).
• Experience in auditing and assessing supplier processes; knowledge of supplier quality assurance is an advantage.
• Strong communication stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Readiness to travel to suppliers and production sites if required.
• Analytical mindset and proactive problem-solver able to work independently and collaboratively.

What We Offer:

• An interesting job within a great team in an international high-tech environment;

• pace and attention for personal development and initiative;
• The opportunity to grow within the organization for example in technical management commercial or international roles;
• An open and flexible work environment where a good work-life balance is important;
• A pleasant workplace in The Best Building in the Netherlands (Publics Choice Award 2015) with our own Starbucks corner;
• Excellent employment conditions including 40 vacation days per year.
• Opportunity to build strong partnerships with leading suppliers in a high-tech innovative environment.
• Competitive salary and full benefits package.
• A diverse inclusive and teamwork-driven culture.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about enabling manufacturing excellence through strong supplier collaboration and expert knowledge of surface treatment technologies we would like to hear from you. Please submit your application (CV and cover letter) through our online job portal.

For any questions about regarding the position or process you may reach out to our Talent Acquisition Partner Laurence Janssen at

Thales is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.