Principal Engineer - DA Mech Airframe Structures

External Job Description

Position : Principal Engineer - DA Mechanical, Airframe (Structures)

Entity : ADASI

Department : Engineering

Location : Abu Dhabi

Key Responsibilities :

• Serve as the design authority for all airframe structural components, ensuring compliance with airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA, MIL-STD, or equivalent).
• Lead the structural design, analysis, and validation of UAV airframes, from conceptual layouts to detailed engineering drawings.
• Oversee material selection (composites, alloys, advanced lightweight materials) to optimize performance, weight, and durability.
• Approve and sign off on engineering change requests and design documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—avionics, propulsion, systems engineering—to ensure seamless integration of structural designs.
• Guide finite element analysis (FEA) and structural simulations to validate load cases, fatigue life, and crashworthiness.
• Support manufacturing engineering in translating designs into production-ready solutions, including tooling and assembly processes.
• Lead design reviews and act as the primary technical interface with certification authorities and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design methodology, CAD standards, and engineering best practices.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 8+ years in aerospace structural design, with at least 3 years in a design authority or lead engineering role
  
  

• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools.
• Strong background in FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus).
• Deep understanding of composite and metallic structures in aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of airworthiness standards (EASA CS-23/25, MIL-STD, or equivalent).
• Ability to make high-impact design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Strong leadership in cross-functional environments.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and executive-level discussions.
  
  

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) status.
• Certification in Aircraft Structural Design or Airworthiness Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus