3,300 recruits in France Thales Plans Major Expansion with Over 9,000 New Hires in 2026

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THALES

GGB Heilbronn GmbH

Thales is set to significantly expand its global workforce by recruiting more than 9,000 new employees in 2026. This recruitment drive reflects the company's commitment to innovation and growth across the defense, aerospace, and digital security sectors.

Thales, a leader in cutting-edge technology and security solutions, has announced a substantial recruitment initiative for the upcoming year. With plans to hire over 9,000 new employees worldwide, the company aims to bolster its capabilities in areas ranging from defence systems to digital security.

These hiring prospects follow the recruitment of 8,800 employees in 2025, exceeding the initially announced target of 8,000 new talent. Over the past 5 years, Thales has recruited at least 8,000 people per year to support the growth dynamics of of its three business sectors,  including aerospace and cybersecurity.

The company's commitment to expanding its workforce is driven by the increasing demand for advanced technological solutions across multiple sectors. This strategic move aligns with Thales' vision to further solidify its position as a global leader in providing secure and innovative solutions. Strengthening the diversity of teams and management committees remains a priority for the Group. In 2025, women accounted for 32 percent of all recruitments. 69 percent of the Group’s management committees are composed of at least 4 women and Thales aims to reach 75 percent in 2026.

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"Inspiring an increasing number of young people"

By targeting top talent in engineering, software development, and project management, Thales seeks to enhance its ability to deliver state-of-the-art technology that meets the evolving needs of clients around the world. This recruitment surge not only underscores Thales' dedication to growth but also highlights its role in advancing global security and technological leadership.

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.

Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales

As the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technological advancement, the new hires will play a crucial role in shaping the future of industries that rely on secure and sophisticated systems. In parallel, Thales has launched the STEM for All’s programme, a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with the French Academy of Technologies.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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The programme is designed to support and inspire young students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue careers in STEM. In its inaugural year, 40 awards were given in France and Belgium, each including a €5,000 grant and one-year of mentorship from a Thales employee. In 2026, STEM for All will be expanded in 2026 to countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Romania, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and South Korea. ​