Thales, a global leader in high technologies for defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and digital, has announced plans to recruit more than 9,000 new employees worldwide in 2026.
This follows a strong hiring performance in 2025, when the company recruited 8,800 people, surpassing its initial target of 8,000. Over the past five years, Thales has consistently recruited at least 8,000 employees annually to support growth across its three core business sectors.
In 2025, Thales received 1.4 million applications globally, breaking its previous record of one million CVs in 2024. The company was ranked the most attractive employer for engineering students in France by Universum, up from second place in 2024.
Strengthening diversity within teams and management committees remains a priority. In 2025, women represented 32% of all new hires. Currently, 69% of the Group’s management committees include at least four women, with the company aiming to reach 75% in 2026.
Regional Recruitment Plans
In the Middle East and Africa, Thales plans to recruit 150 employees in 2026, including 60 in the United Arab Emirates and 30 in Saudi Arabia.
In France, the company will hire 3,300 staff, with 1,630 positions in Île-de-France, 290 in Brittany, 280 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 270 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 250 in Occitanie, 220 in Centre-Val de Loire, 180 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 130 in Pays de la Loire.
Beyond external recruitment, 3,500 employees will benefit from internal mobility across Thales’ diverse business sectors and geographies. The company’s “Learning Company” approach, which includes more than 35 internal academies, allows employees to continuously develop skills and maintain Thales’ expertise at the highest global standards.
Thales is also committed to advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities, achieving an employment rate of over 7% in France in 2025.
Approximately 40% of new hires will join engineering roles, including software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data, while 25% will take on industry roles such as technicians, operators and engineers.
Supporting Young Talent in STEM
Thales continues to invest in young people’s careers, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In France alone, it will welcome 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices from Bac+2 to Bac+5, alongside 1,000 third-year and 500 second-year students in 2026. Apprentices and interns made up 15% of French recruitment in 2025.
Through its “Vocation Makers” programme, Thales engages 6 to 18-year-olds in science and technology via school visits and on-site experiences. In 2025, the initiative reached 250,000 students worldwide.
The Group has also launched the STEM for All programme, a scholarship and mentorship scheme in partnership with the French Academy of Technologies, supporting young students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing STEM careers. In its first year, 40 awards were granted in France and Belgium, each including a €5,000 grant and one-year mentorship from a Thales employee. In 2026, STEM for All will expand to the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Romania, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and South Korea.
“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 shaping the future by inspiring an increasing number of young people, especially young women, to pursue careers in science and technology,” said Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales.
Candidates interested in opportunities at Thales can apply online and learn more about STEM for All.
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