ABOUT THE ROLE
The Principal Flight Test Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and analysis of complex flight test programs for UAV platforms, ensuring compliance with certification requirements, safety regulations, and engineering objectives. This role acts as a technical authority within the Flight Test Engineering team, providing expert guidance, mentoring junior engineers, and supporting strategic decision-making for company-wide test activities.
Ready to apply for roles like this?
Unlock the company name and direct application link. Subscribers get instant access to fresh jobs across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, many with visa support.
Unlock employer & apply directly
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 ADASI Flight Test Operations Manual.
- Define and oversee requirements for Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI), telemetry, and aircraft test configurations.
- Manage 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 primary liaison with certification authorities, MOD, and external stakeholders on flight test matters.
- Drive compliance with Company 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
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 and, 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.
