Quantum Research Engineer

Location:
Reading, full-time hybrid working with 3 days in the office plus travel

Join Thales and be at the forefront of specialising in sensing and algorithm project related work, where you'll work towards ensuring the real-world exploitation of quantum technologies including novel sensors, communications and computing.

• Opportunity to design cutting-edge quantum algorithms, advance pioneering research exploiting quantum principles, and deliver revolutionary, real-world solutions for a diverse range of clients
• Collaborate with Thales’ global quantum network across research, industry, academia, and government to drive innovation and deliver impactful, revolutionary technologies
• Act as subject matter expert, and contribute to planning of future research activities, helping to identify and formulate proposals for funding opportunities

In this role you will dive into cutting-edge, low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) research and development focused on the revolutionary field of quantum technologies - spanning sensing, communications, algorithms, and computing. Collaborating with a small but dynamic team to push the boundaries of what's possible, you will contribute to pioneering research, exploiting emerging novel technology for real-world benefit, and crafting compelling bids for external funding.

By working closely with external technology partners, you'll help shape a strategic roadmap that brings quantum technologies from concept to real-world applications across diverse business use cases. This is your chance to be part of a visionary journey that will redefine the future of technology at Thales.

If you have a strong background in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields, coupled with expertise in quantum R&D and algorithm programming, we want to hear from you. We welcome applications from existing Quantum Research Engineers or Quantum Technology Researchers looking for their next move.

Building a Future, we can all trust.

Thales leverages quantum sensing for navigation and stealth detection, quantum communications will secure the future’s sensitive information and quantum computing to solve currently intractable real-world problems.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
• Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
• Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x 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 1:00pm
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• 24 hours paid leave for volunteering activities
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts – dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more

• Collaborate effectively within research teams while also working independently with flexibility to explore new areas and adapt to diverse working styles
• Identify and evaluate quantum technology use cases across Thales, assessing feasibility and potential integration into future products and services
• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators and contribute to technical roadmaps for quantum algorithms and software evolution
• Lead proposal development for external funding opportunities and mentor graduate researchers, including PhDs and interns
• Design, develop, and implement algorithms across domains such as Big Data, optimization, cryptography, decision support, information fusion, image and sensor processing, waveform design, and complexity analysis
• Manage project progress, reporting, customer communication, and test algorithms in real-world environments to ensure reliability and performance

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you…