Principal Systems Engineer - Aerodynamics

Job Title: Systems Engineer – Aerodynamics

Department : Engineering

Location: ADASI HQ, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief Engineer

Entity: ADASI (A subsidiary of EDGE Group)

Job Purpose

The Systems Engineer – Aerodynamics is responsible for the design, analysis, validation, and integration of aerodynamic solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This role ensures that aerodynamic performance aligns with mission objectives, structural constraints, propulsion integration, and regulatory requirements. The engineer contributes to concept design, flight performance optimization, and multidisciplinary system-level trade studies that directly influence platform capabilities and survivability.

Key Responsibilities

Aerodynamic Analysis & Design

• Perform aerodynamic modeling and analysis of airframes, control surfaces, intakes, exhausts, and payload fairings using both analytical and computational methods (including CFD).
• Lead the generation and validation of aerodynamic databases for use in flight simulation, stability & control, and autopilot design.
• Develop and refine airframe geometry to optimize lift, drag, stability, control authority, and aerodynamic efficiency across different flight regimes.
  
  

• Translate aerodynamic performance requirements into system-level specifications and subsystem interfaces (e.g., propulsion, control, structures).
• Support trade studies related to aerodynamic shaping, flight envelope definition, stability margins, and control system architecture.
• Collaborate with structural, propulsion, flight controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure balanced design integration.
  
  

• Execute CFD simulations, wind tunnel correlation, and performance predictions to validate aerodynamic models.
• Support the definition and execution of wind tunnel tests, flight tests, and aerodynamic load validation.
• Analyze test results and refine models to improve fidelity and platform performance predictions.
  
  

• Generate documentation including aerodynamic analysis reports, system-level performance documentation, and airworthiness compliance reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards such as CS-UAS, MIL-STD-1797, and internal EDGE/ADASI design standards.
• Contribute to certification documentation, including flight test reports on e.g. stability & control, performance and flying qualities .
  
  

• Provide aerodynamic input during program reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and Formal Qualification Reviews.
• Interface with internal design teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies as needed.
• Support design activities for manufacturability and maintainability from an aerodynamic perspective.
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with emphasis in Aerodynamics (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, or Computational Fluid Dynamics (PREFERRED)
  
  

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in aerodynamics within aerospace, UAV, or defense programs.
• Experience in aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, and airframe development in UAVs, aircraft, or guided missile systems.
• Exposure to aero-elasticity, static & dynamic stability, and aerodynamic loads is prerequisite.
  
  

• Proficient in:
• CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or similar)
• CAD and geometry preparation tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)
• Flight performance and stability analysis tools (MATLAB/Simulink, AVL, XFOIL, Athena Vortex Lattice, or in-house codes)
• Demonstrated understanding of:
• Subsonic and transonic flow behavior
• Control surface sizing, effectiveness, and dynamic behavior
• Wind tunnel testing techniques and instrumentation
• Familiar with airworthiness and flight performance standards relevant to UAVs and defense systems
  
  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication abilities
• Capable of working across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Detail-oriented, with focus on safety, reliability, and performance optimization
• Strategic thinker with awareness of mission-level design trade-offs
  
  

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP – Advantageous
• Certification in CFD or aerodynamic analysis from OEM or accredited provider – Preferred
• AS9100D Quality Awareness – Preferred
  
  

• Eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willingness to travel for wind tunnel tests, flight test campaigns, and supplier engagements
• Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Willingness to relocate to the UAE