Head of Discipline - Mechanical and Thermal Engineering

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

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.

Governments and private industry rely on us to create satellite‑based systems that provide trusted, anytime‑anywhere connectivity and positioning—helping 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 we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s 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 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.

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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!