Thales, a global player in defence, aerospace, and cyber and digital technologies, is preparing to hire 8,000 new employees worldwide in 2025. This recruitment drive reportedly aims to support the company’s continued growth across its three core business segments.
Engineering roles will make up 40 per cent of the new hires, covering software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. Another 25 per cent of recruits will join industrial roles, including technicians, operators, and industrial engineers. Alongside this, more than 4,000 employees will benefit from internal mobility opportunities, both functionally and geographically.
Thales has been consistently increasing its team size in recent years. Between 2022 and 2024, the company recruited over 30,000 people, including 9,000 in the defence sector. Additionally, more than 8,000 employees transitioned into new internal roles between 2023 and 2024. The company has maintained a steady hiring trend for a decade, adding at least 5,000 employees annually.
In 2025, recruitment will span across multiple regions. France will see around 3,000 new hires, followed by the UK (1,000), the Netherlands (500), the US (400), Australia (400), Central Europe (300), India (250), Germany (200), and Africa and the Middle East (150).
Thales is also accelerating its ‘Learning Company’ programme, which focuses on continuous skill development. The programme is supported by more than 2,000 internal trainers, along with mentors and tutors. To enhance learning, Thales has introduced advanced training tools, including virtual reality simulations and hands-on learning experiences. In 2024, 90 per cent of its 72,000 employees participated in skill- development activities.
Thales remains dedicated to inspiring young talent and fostering diversity. In 2024, it engaged with 1,50,000 young individuals through 600 outreach events. In France, the company will welcome over 3,000 interns and apprentices in 2025, with 25 per cent expected to transition into full-time roles. Around 1,500 school students will also complete observation internships at Thales facilities.
Improving gender diversity is a priority. Women accounted for 30 per cent of new hires in 2024, and over 60 per cent of Thales’ executive committees included at least four women. The company aims to increase this to 75 per cent by 2026. Additionally, with a nearly seven per cent employment rate for people with disabilities in France, Thales continues to reinforce its inclusion efforts.
Clément de Villepin, SVP- human resources, Thales, emphasised the company’s vision, “Recruitment and internal mobility are essential for growth, but we must go further. By continuously developing our teams’ skills and fostering knowledge sharing, we aim to maintain Thales’ expertise at the highest level.”
