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Industrial Process Engineer Optical Supply Chain

Thales


Job Location:

Glasgow - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 10 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 8 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Location: Glasgow United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83000 employees on five continents. With over 7500 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.

Industrial Process Engineer - Optical Manufacturing

Glasgow Supplier Travel Required

At Thales were passionate about developing technology that helps make the world safer more secure and more sustainable. Were looking for an Industrial Process Engineer with experience in optical manufacturing to join our team and help drive excellence across our supplier network.

In this role youll work closely with suppliers producing optical components such as lenses prisms mirrors and filters ensuring manufacturing processes deliver the highest standards of quality performance and reliability.

What youll be doing

  • Partnering with suppliers to improve optical manufacturing processes and product quality.

  • Conducting supplier audits process assessments and First Article Inspections (FAI).

  • Supporting process qualification validation and continuous improvement activities.

  • Analysing manufacturing and quality data to drive performance improvements.

  • Leading APQP activities and managing PPAP submissions.

  • Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and supplier readiness.

  • Collaborating with Engineering Procurement and Quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and enhance supplier performance.

About you

  • Experience within optical precision photonics or manufacturing engineering environments.

  • Understanding of optical manufacturing processes and quality control principles.

  • Knowledge of APQP PPAP Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

  • Strong communication problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

  • Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

  • Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.

Qualifications

A degree in Optics Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Product Design or a related discipline is desirable. We also welcome candidates with equivalent industry experience.

Why Thales

We believe diverse teams drive innovation. If youre excited about this opportunity but dont meet every requirement wed still love to hear from you.

Think Big. Make it Happen. Together.

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 isnt 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!


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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In all critical environments - air, land, sea, space and cyberspace - decision-makers, operators, crews and members of our armed services and security forces are faced with millions of important decisions every day. It is in supporting these people that Thales in the United States ha ... View more

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