Thales plans to recruit more than 9,000 employees worldwide in 2026. This follows the hiring of 8,800 employees in 2025, surpassing the initially planned target of 8,000.
Over the past five years, Thales has recruited at least 8,000 people annually to support growth across its three business sectors.
In 2025, Thales received 1.4 million applications worldwide, up from one million in 2024.
The Universum ranking placed Thales first among the most attractive employers for engineering students in France, after second place the previous year.
Strengthening diversity remains a priority.
In 2025, women accounted for 32% of all hires, and 69% of management committees included at least four women. Thales aims to reach 75% in 2026.
In 2026, recruitment is expected to include nearly 3,300 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, and 140 in Poland.
Within France, the largest recruitment will be in Île-de-France (1,630), followed by Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and other regions.
Around 40% of new hires will work in engineering roles, including software, systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data, with 25% in industry positions.
Thales will also support internal mobility for 3,500 employees and provide learning opportunities through more than 35 internal academies.
The company continues to focus on apprentices and interns, particularly in France, where it will host 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices in 2026.
Programmes such as “Vocation Makers” and STEM for All aim to encourage young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue careers in science and technology.
“We take great pride in seeing Thales’ appeal grow stronger year after year. Together, we are 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.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by ktasimar via Freepik
