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- In addition to the 9,000 external recruitments, 3,500 employees will benefit from internal mobility.
- In 2026, Thales plans to recruit nearly 3,300 people in France, 800 in the UK, 630 in North America, 530 in Australia, 520 in the Netherlands, 450 in India, 300 in Germany, 240 in Romania, 200 in Singapore, 150 in Mexico and 140 in Poland.
- In 2025, women accounted for 32% of all recruitments. 69% of the Group’s management committees are composed of at least 4 women and Thales aims to reach 75% in 2026.
Thales, a global technology company operating in defence, aerospace, and cyber and digital sectors, is planning to recruit more than 9,000 new employees worldwide in 2026, building on what it calls a strong hiring year in 2025. Last year, the company brought on 8,800 new staff, exceeding its initial target of 8,000.
According to data on Thales' website, at the time of publishing, the company's global headcount stands at 83,000.
The company continues to attract significant interest from jobseekers, receiving 1.4mn applications globally in 2025, up from 1mn in 2024. In 2026, Thales plans to recruit nearly:
- 3,300 people in France,
- 800 in the UK,
- 630 in North America,
- 530 in Australia,
- 520 in the Netherlands,
- 450 in India,
- 300 in Germany,
- 240 in Romania,
- 200 in Singapore,
- 150 in Mexico and
- 140 in Poland.
Around 40% of new recruits will work in engineering roles, including software, systems, cybersecurity, AI, and data, while 25% will fill positions in industry, such as technicians, operators, and engineers.
Diversity remains a focus, with women accounting for 32% of new hires in 2025, the company said. Thales also aims to increase the proportion of women on management committees from 69% to 75% in 2026.
In addition to the 9,000 external recruitments, 3,500 employees will benefit from internal mobility. The Group’s “Learning Company” approach, with more than 35 internal academies, will allow employees to develop their skills, thereby maintaining Thales' expertise at the highest level worldwide.
Thales also aims to continue supporting young talent through its ‘Vocation Makers’ programme, welcoming 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices from Bac+2 to Bac+5, as well as 1,000 third-year and 500 second-year students in 2026. These opportunities serve as stepping stones to future employment.
Other initiatives include the STEM for ALL programme, a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with the French Academy of Technologies, which supports young students from disadvantaged backgrounds aspiring to STEM careers.
In 2026, the ompany aims to expand the programme o more countries, including:
- the Czech Republic,
- Poland,
- Greece,
- Romania,
- Italy,
- Germany,
- the Netherlands,
- Brazil and
- South Korea.
Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales commented: "We take great pride in seeing Thales’ appeal grow stronger year after year. The talented individuals who join us are driven by a desire to contribute to the development of sovereign, innovative, and sustainable solutions that the world needs more than ever.
"Together, we are shaping the future by inspiring an increasing number of young people, especially young women, to pursue careers in science and technology.”
Inforgraphic / Thales
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