ABOUT THE ROLE
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The Principal Flight Test Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and analysis of complex flight test programs for UAV platforms. This role ensures compliance with certification requirements, safety regulations, and engineering objectives. Acting as a technical authority within the Flight Test Engineering team, the Principal Flight Test Engineer provides expert guidance, mentors junior engineers, and supports strategic decision-making for company-wide test activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as technical authority for the definition, planning, and execution of complex UAV flight test campaigns.
- Review development specifications, technical and certification requirements, and translate them into flight test objectives.
- Lead preparation of Flight Test Plans, Test Hazard Assessments, and Flight Test Reports in compliance with the Flight Test Operations Manual.
- Define and oversee requirements for Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI), telemetry, and aircraft test configurations.
- Manage the execution of flight tests: planning, monitoring, control, safety assurance, reporting, and closure.
- Ensure adherence to aeronautical rules, laws, and local flight testing regulations.
- Act as the primary liaison with certification authorities, MOD, and external stakeholders on flight test matters.
- Drive compliance with SMS, AS9100D, ISO 9001, and aviation safety standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or advanced flight test engineering training preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in flight test engineering.
- Experience in UAV or manned aircraft flight testing, including system-level and full-aircraft integration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Training:
- Certified Flight Test Engineer Category II or higher (Category I preferred).
- Training in flight test safety, hazard assessment, and SMS implementation.
- Familiarity with civil and military flight test regulations (EASA, FAA, GCAA, MIL standards).
Skills:
- Expert knowledge of flight test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis.
- Proficiency with engineering tools (Matlab, Python, telemetry analysis software).
- Excellent technical writing, documentation, and reporting skills.
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability for junior/senior engineers.
WHY CHOOSE THE COMPANY
Launched in November 2019, the company is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold, and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, positioning the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries and creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.
At the company, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, the company is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Working at the company also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free. Depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.
CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
If you feel your skills, experience, and potential are a strong match for this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to the company.
Any information you share as part of your candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.
The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
As a global organization, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.
