Design Authority - GCS Software

About ADASI

ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region’s technological edge in defense innovation.

Job Purpose

The Design Authority – GCS Software provides strategic and technical leadership for the architecture, design, integration, and lifecycle support of Ground Control Station (GCS) software solutions used in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. The role ensures that all GCS software designs meet safety, security, functional, and operational requirements as per military and civil aerospace standards, while aligning with ADASI’s product roadmap and system-level architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority and final design approver for all software components related to GCS systems.
• Own and manage the software architecture and design baselines for GCS, including HMI, mission planning, telemetry handling, communication interfaces, and payload integration.
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness, cyber security, and system safety standards (e.g., DO-178C, MIL-STD-882, ISO 27001).
• Lead and review software design documentation, coding standards, technical assessments, and configuration management.
• Collaborate with System Engineering, Flight Software, Hardware, and Test Engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance.
• Evaluate third-party vendors and COTS/MOTS products for integration into the GCS software environment.
• Support certification and regulatory approval activities in collaboration with Quality and Compliance teams.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to software engineering teams, ensuring best practices in Agile and Model-Based Engineering are applied.
• Act as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders on GCS software topics, including end-users, regulators, and military customers.
• Oversee problem resolution, design improvements, and change management during the product lifecycle.
• Support R&D initiatives by contributing to the technology roadmap and innovation strategies relevant to autonomous systems and GCS evolution.
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Autonomous Systems (Preferred).
  
  

• Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems with a focus on GCS software development.
• Proven experience in leading software teams or acting as a design authority, chief engineer, or principal engineer in mission-critical systems.
• Hands-on experience with UAV command and control systems, real-time OS, middleware frameworks, and telemetry/data protocols.
  
  

• DO-178C Certification Training
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or SAFe Agilist (SA)
• CISSP / CISM (for security-minded software environments)
• INCOSE CSEP or equivalent Systems Engineering credentials
• PMP or equivalent project/program delivery certification (desirable)
  
  

• C/C++, Python, Java (for backend/frontend GCS modules)
• Linux OS, RTOS (VxWorks, QNX)
• Protocols: MAVLink, DDS, TCP/IP, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC
• Software architecture modeling tools (e.g., SysML, UML, Enterprise Architect)
• CI/CD frameworks (Jenkins, GitLab), version control (Git)
• Agile project management tools (JIRA, Confluence)
• Strong knowledge of modular open systems architecture (MOSA) and cyber-resilient software design
  
  

• Strong strategic thinking and system-level mindset
• Exceptional communication skills to liaise with cross-functional teams, military customers, and regulatory bodies
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership
• Adaptable and innovative, able to lead technological evolution of GCS platforms
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Leadership qualities with a collaborative and mentoring approach