About the Job: We are seeking a Project Manager for Ground Control Systems (GCS) to oversee the complete lifecycle of GCS development and integration across the company's UAV programs. This role is critical in delivering secure, mission-ready GCS solutions, which involve hardware interfaces, real-time software, communication systems, and ground support tools. Candidates must demonstrate a balance of technical knowledge, project governance, and leadership to ensure GCS platforms meet operational, safety, and security requirements while adhering to delivery timelines and defense-grade standards.
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Company Overview: The company is a leading provider of autonomous systems and services in the region, focused on delivering comprehensive solutions encompassing the development and production of unmanned systems, joint mission analysis, and equipment acquisition. Headquartered in the UAE, the company is committed to enhancing the region's technological advancement in defense innovation.
Key Responsibilities: - Project Planning & Execution: - Define project scope, deliverables, and success criteria for GCS programs. - Lead all project phases from concept and design to deployment and support. - Develop and maintain project plans, resource schedules, risk registers, and progress metrics.
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership: - Coordinate teams across software, systems, avionics, communications, and cybersecurity. - Serve as the main point of contact between engineering, QA, procurement, manufacturing, and external stakeholders. - Drive design reviews and milestone gates to ensure stakeholder alignment.
- Technical Oversight: - Guide the development of C2 interfaces, SATCOM/LOS datalink integration, mission planning tools, and operator HMI. - Ensure compliance with airworthiness, operational, and cybersecurity requirements for GCS platforms.
- Stakeholder & Vendor Management: - Interface with end-users, defense stakeholders, and regulators to ensure mission alignment. - Manage subcontractor performance and system integration partners. - Provide regular project briefings, risk reports, and updates to senior leadership.
- Compliance, Documentation & Handover: - Ensure adherence to international engineering standards. - Lead documentation efforts, including test matrices and training guides. - Oversee the transition to testing, operations, and sustainment phases.
Required Qualifications: - Education: - Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED). - Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Project Management, or Avionics Systems (PREFERRED).
- Experience: - Minimum 8 years in aerospace or defense engineering with 3-5 years in project/program management. - Hands-on experience with Ground Control Systems and UAV support tools. - Proven track record of managing defense engineering projects from concept to deployment.
- Technical Skills: - Comprehensive understanding of GCS architecture, HMI design, RF/datalink systems, and real-time software platforms. - Familiarity with defense-grade standards and project management tools.
Ideal Attributes: - Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. - Strategic thinking and risk management capabilities. - High adaptability and attention to detail. - Collaborative, mission-driven, and results-oriented mindset.
Join us at the company and be part of a team that is at the forefront of defense and aerospace innovation.
