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Thales to hire 3,300 staff in France in 2026, boosting Cannes and Sophia-Antipolis sites

Thales will recruit 9,000 people worldwide in 2026, including 270 new positions in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, as it expands its technology and engineering workforce.

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A logo sign outside of a facility occupied by the Thales Group.
A logo sign outside of a facility occupied by the Thales Group. Picture: Alamy

By Camille Bidard

Thales has announced plans to recruit 9,000 people globally in 2026, including 3,300 in France, following a record 8,800 hires last year.

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In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, 270 new positions are expected, with 120 at Thales Alenia Space in Cannes and around 40 at Thales Defence Mission Systems in Sophia-Antipolis.

Roles will focus on software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, AI, optics, 5G, and industrial positions.

Thales is increasingly recruiting based on skills rather than CVs, offering opportunities from vocational qualifications to doctorates.

Some hires come from unusual backgrounds, including former military analysts.

The move aims to strengthen Thales’ technological presence in southern France and support the region’s high-tech workforce.