Subject Matter Expert Configuration Management

Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About the team

Within the Configuration Management department, we support the development and design of advanced hardware and software systems for various applications, such as search radars, fire control, and combat management systems for both naval and ground-based domains. This also includes maintenance and continuous improvement.

The department consists of Configuration Managers, Configuration Controllers and a Leadership Team. Our focus is on ensuring a consistent and controlled configuration status throughout the entire lifecycle of our products.

About the job

As a SME Configuration Management, you translate complex and abstract principles of configuration and change management into practical processes and clear guidelines. You are responsible for implementing, improving and maintaining processes and tools within the PLM- and LEWIS environment, ensuring they align effectively with daily team operations. Your deep expertise allows you to convert abstract concepts into user-friendly instructions and tools that support consistent and efficient handling of configuration information.

The SME is accountable for the following: 

• Ensuring effective and transparent communication within the department and across other involved departments on all relevant topics related to changes, processes, and tooling, thereby guaranteeing alignment and awareness. 
• Maintaining comprehensive insight into the application of working processes across all involved parties within the PLM and Lewis environments. 
• Being responsible for the consistent and accurate application of configuration management.
• Monitoring and ensuring the correct use and maintenance of configuration information throughout all stages of the product lifecycle. 
• Holding the authority to make decisions on the implementation and enforcement of configuration management practices within relevant tooling systems. 
• Initiating and managing change requests to IS/IT related to PLM and Lewis tooling in close collaboration with stakeholders like process owners
• Representing the configuration management domain in discussions and decision-making processes regarding cross-domain (integral) changes, ensuring configuration management principles are integrated into cross-departmental improvements. 

In this role, the SME also: 

• Participates in the SME network across other disciplines to align and optimize end-to-end processes. 
• Coordinates and supports deployment activities alongside process owners. 
• Ensures proper bi-directional alignment and information sharing within Engineering & Supply chain, collaborating closely with key users. 
• Prioritizes activities and goals effectively, especially in cases of conflicting demands. 
• Manages the environment by balancing goals, capabilities, and required effort. 
• Coordinates and supports testing and deployment activities within the Configuration Management department. 
• Supports the advancement of the department’s tooling landscape and processes, including initiatives such as CAD-driven development, PALMA as a Service and Polarion for activities beyond system engineering. 

About you 

• Displays eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools and processes.
• Skilled in managing tasks and driving topics to successful closure. 
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and communication abilities across diverse teams and through all levels of the organization 
• Communicates effectively in both Dutch and English.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in the field of PLM, processes & tooling in a production environment.
• Possesses expertise in PTC Windchill tooling. 
• Familiarity with Lewis tooling, including Polarion, GIT, and Jira is a plus.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree. 

What's in it for you

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas.
• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills.
• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.
• A comfortable work space in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.
• You can usually work where and when you want to be able to do your work as well and efficiently as possible. Within Thales we implement hybrid working, where you can, for example, work from home two days a week if your role allows it.
• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade days off for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.
• 40 days off per year (PTO).

Interested?
Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.
To ensure that we are a good match, we can ask you to participate in an assessment.

Diversity Statement
We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.

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