Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About us

‘The people we rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales’. In a fast-changing and increasingly unpredictable world full of opportunities, people come to us with big ambitions – to make your life better and more secure. Our employees, who are part of a unique and varied team with many different fields of expertise and a wide range of talents and cultures, develop and deliver outstanding high-tech solutions. Thales employs 81,000 highly talented people in 68 countries. Almost 3,000 of these are based in the Netherlands. We are one of the largest high-tech employers in the field of security and protection.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of defense, aerospace, aviation technology and cyberspace, to manage and control their increasingly complex processes and make the best possible business decisions. This is why we play a leading role in digital transformation, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & Data Analysis, Connectivity, Mobility, Internet of Things, Cyber Security.

In the Netherlands, we are located in four cities: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (head office). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radar systems for seagoing vessels, cyber security solutions, transport systems, communications equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions, R&D for radar technology (in collaboration with TU Delft), as well as R&D for serious gaming (in collaboration with the University of Twente).

Platform Software Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled, self-starting Software Engineer with a strong interest in Generative AI and a passion for solving complex problems in constrained environments. This role focuses on enabling and integrating modern software platforms, including GenAI capabilities, within a restricted – including internet restricted - military infrastructure.

You’ll be working on secure, containerized platforms, supporting development workflows, and enabling advanced tooling in environments where internet access is limited, and compliance is critical.

Key Activities

• Design, deploy, and maintain containerized environments using Docker, Podman, and OCI standards
• Configure and troubleshoot networking setups, including HTTPS proxies, SSH forwarding, and secure tunnels to support GenAI related workflows and deployments
• Support devcontainers and IDE configurations to streamline developer experience
• Support CI/CD pipelines and lifecycle automation in isolated environments
• Explore and integrate GenAI tools and workflows within platform constraints
• Write and maintain code in Python to support GenAI workflows and solutions
• Contribute to prompt engineering efforts, including prompt design, testing, and integration into developer workflows
• Contribute with Model selection, including model ranking and security risk analyses

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Hands-on and persistent: You don’t give up easily and will try every angle to get things working
• Platform-focused mindset: You understand infrastructure, containers, and developer tooling deeply
• Abstract thinker: You can see the big picture and find creative solutions within tight constraints
• Tech enthusiast: You’re curious about new technologies, especially GenAI, and eager to experiment
• Multi-OS fluent: You’re comfortable switching between Linux, MacOS, and Windows
• Security-aware: You understand the importance of compliance, isolation, and secure software practices

Required Skills

• Docker, Podman, OCI container standards
• Advanced Linux (RHEL, UBI) administration
• Network configuration (HTTPS proxies, SSH forwarding)
• IDE and devcontainer setup and optimization
• Python proficiency
• CI/CD pipeline experience
• MacOS familiarity
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
• Some experience with prompt engineering (e.g., prompt design, testing, or integration)

What's in it for you?

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes freedom for initiative and good ideas.
• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regard to technical, commercial or international skills.
• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.
• A comfortable workspace in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.
• You can usually work where and whenever you want. Within Thales, we aim for a 60/40 balance, where you work from home at least two days a week, when your role allows this.
• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO 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 may ask you to participate in an assessment.

A government clearance will be requested as part of standard Thales procedures.

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 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. This vacancy requires 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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