Head of Discipline Mechanical and Thermal Engineering

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83000 employees on five continents. With over 7500 people in the UK operating across defence space aerospace and digital security we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Governments and private industry rely on us to create satellitebased systems that provide trusted anytimeanywhere connectivity and positioninghelping care for our planet manage its resources thoughtfully and explore our Solar System with curiosity and purpose. We view space as a new horizon for collective progress shaping a more sustainable life on Earth. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) Thales Alenia Space partners with Telespazio through the Space Alliance to deliver a full suite of integrated solutions and services.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Discipline Mechanical and Thermal to lead and develop its Mechanical and Thermal Engineering function. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping technical direction building team capability and ensuring engineering delivery supports current projects bids and future growth.

You will lead a high-performing team working on complex space systems driving innovation resource planning and continuous improvement while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders suppliers and customers. The role combines technical depth people leadership and commercial awareness in a fast-moving high-impact environment.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic vision for the Mechanical and Thermal Engineering team.

• Lead recruitment team structure training performance management and succession planning.

• Own headcount forecasting and resource planning across projects bids and studies.

• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Prepare and review project and bid estimates.

• Define track and improve key performance indicators.

What were looking for

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace Mechanical Engineering Physics or a related discipline.

• Extensive experience in a comparable engineering leadership or management role.

• Deep expertise in at least one core area: design structural or thermal engineering.

• Strong background in resource planning delivery and execution.

• Knowledge of the space environment requirements and standards.

Behaviours and leadership style

• Strategic thinker with a strong future focus.

• Confident in challenging the status quo and developing team capability.

• Accountable resilient and decisive with a strong bias for action.

• Collaborative across geographically separated teams and external partners.

• Supportive leader who mentors develops and empowers others.

Success in this role

• Engineering delivery achieved on time and within budget.

• Effective resourcing of projects bids and technical studies.

• Strong team performance development and succession planning.

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)

• Half day every Friday usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare (grade dependent)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). 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.

To be eligible for full SC you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 some circumstances a minimum of 3 years residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: Thales we ensure equal opportunities pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance buying or selling annual leave cycle to work schemes employee discounts paid volunteering day stocks and shares annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes employee networks wellbeing policies and inclusive features here.

If this role isnt quite right for you we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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