Manufacturing Technician - Optical Test

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Optical Test Engineer – Love Physics? So Do We.

Glasgow, UK | Full-Time, Permanent

Empowering Tomorrow’s Defence with Bright Minds Today

At Thales UK, we’re building a future that’s safer, smarter, and more secure. Our cutting-edge technologies support critical defence operations across the globe—and right now, we’re looking for an enthusiastic Manufacturing Technician with Optical Test experience to join our expert team in Glasgow.

This is your chance to apply your passion for physics and optics to real-world challenges, working at the heart of innovation in defence technologies.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Setting up and refining optical test and production facilities
• Experimenting with new ideas—validating improvements and new designs in a hands-on environment to impact the build of our product to look at simplified design to mass produce product.
• Using your analytical brain with modelling, simulations, and data analysis
• Working with tools like interferometers to inspect precision optical components
• Supporting the calibration of optical subassemblies and tooling
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of bright and curious minds
• There is a clear line of progression with this position.

What We’re Looking For:

• A strong foundation in physics, especially optics and lasers
• Curious by nature—you ask “why?” and pursue the answers
• Comfortable both working independently and thriving in a team
• Skilled in practical and experimental techniques
• Great communicator, confident sharing ideas with technical and non-technical colleagues
• A degree in Physics or a closely related field (BSc or equivalent)

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!