Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 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.
Manufacturing Technicians/Operators
Night Shift Thursday - Saturday
6AM - 6PM
Templecombe
Salary Base + 30% uplift + additional £80 flat rate for every Saturday worked
Our purpose at Thales Under Water Systems is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world keep our friends, families and all of us safe. We cover four sectors: Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.
As our Templecombe site continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome curious, hands‑on and motivated individuals to join our Manufacturing team within the Towed Array manufacturing unit. We are building talent now for both current roles and future opportunities.
What our roles have to offer:
- The opportunity to contribute to work that genuinely makes a difference
- A supportive environment where learning and development are encouraged
- Clear pathways for career growth and skill development
- A healthy work–life balance, with fixed shifts and attractive shift premiums
- Being part of a collaborative and inclusive team culture
Our Opportunities:
We have multiple vacancies across our manufacturing operations, including but not limited to:
- Mechanical or Electrical Technicians – experience or strong interest welcomed
- Test Technicians – previous experience and confidence in testing environments preferred
- Quality Inspectors – attention to detail and quality‑focused experience required
What we are looking for:
We’re looking for people who enjoy practical work and want to grow and develop their careers in manufacturing. You might already have experience in a Mechanical or Electrical role, or you may be someone with a strong interest in hands‑on work and a real enthusiasm for learning new skills.
If you take pride in producing high‑quality work, value teamwork, and enjoy working as part of a supportive and collaborative environment, you could be a great fit. We’re especially keen to hear from individuals who are curious, reliable, and keen to build confidence in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are key for success in these roles.
We provide comprehensive training of up to 12 weeks, ensuring you feel confident, supported, and well‑prepared in your role from day one. this will be on the day shift and then when you are ready you will move to the night shift.
The shift pattern is 6 AM – 6 PM (12.33 hours on Thursday and Friday and 12.34 hours on Saturday)
2 X 15 min breaks and 30 mins for lunch
Salary Base + 30% uplift + additional £80 flat rate for every Saturday worked
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 currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In 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: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
At 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 isn’t 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.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!