Principal Systems Engineer - Environmental Engineering

Job Title: Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering

Department: Engineering

Location: ADASI HQ, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief Engineer

Entity: ADASI (Subsidiary of EDGE Group)

Job Purpose

The Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of environmental control and conditioning systems supporting UAV platforms. This role ensures environmental systems (including thermal management, cabin or payload conditioning, and related subsystems) comply with mission requirements, regulatory standards, and platform constraints. The position requires a blend of technical expertise in environmental engineering, systems integration skills, and strategic analysis to optimize system reliability and performance in diverse operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Control Systems Design & Integration

• Lead the development and refinement of environmental control system (ECS) requirements including thermal management, ventilation, pressurization (if applicable), and contamination control for UAV subsystems and payloads.
• Ensure System Safety Analysis in parallel with design.
• Ensure Design Life-Cycle management as per ARP4754
• Collaborate with airframe, mechanical, electrical, and avionics teams to ensure seamless integration of environmental systems within overall UAV architecture.
• Define system architecture and interface control documents (ICDs) to ensure clear boundaries and performance expectations for environmental subsystems.
  
  

• Perform thermal modeling and simulation to predict temperature distributions, heat fluxes, and cooling requirements using tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or MATLAB.
• Support the test and integration activities for Environmental Control Systems.
• Analyze environmental loads such as temperature extremes, vibration, humidity, and dust, and propose mitigation strategies to maintain system functionality and longevity.
• Develop and validate thermal control strategies including active and passive cooling, insulation, and airflow management.
  
  

• Define Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for environmental system performance including thermal cycling, environmental stress screening, and contamination control tests.
• Support environmental qualification testing aligned with standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and relevant GCAA requirements.
• Analyze test results, recommend design improvements, and ensure documentation meets certification requirements.
  
  

• Ensure environmental control systems comply with regional and international aerospace standards and regulations.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation including design descriptions, test plans/reports, risk assessments, and certification support documentation.
• Participate in design reviews, audits, and certification processes supporting airworthiness and mission readiness.
• Prepare related design evidence documents including DDP.
  
  

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve environmental challenges impacting platform performance and reliability.
• Act as the technical expert for environmental control systems engineering matters, mentoring junior engineers and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Engage with suppliers and external partners to evaluate new technologies, components, and solutions.
• Ensure the requirement definition, design process, verification and integration for custom developed system under supplier development.
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Control Systems E ngineering, or related discipline (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Thermal Sciences, Environmental Systems, or Aerospace Systems Engineering (PREFERRED)
  
  

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in aerospace or defense sectors with a focus on environmental control systems, thermal management, or related fields.
• Experience with UAV or manned aircraft environmental systems, thermal analysis, or thermal systems design and integration.
• Knowledge in environmental control system standards and testing methods
• Experience in safety-critical system design
  
  

• Proficiency in thermal and environmental simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal, Thermal Desktop, Fluent CFD, or MATLAB.
• Experience with environmental and thermal system design, including heat exchangers, ventilation, insulation, and contamination control.
• Strong knowledge of relevant aerospace environmental standards e.g.: MIL-STD-810, DO-160.
• Familiar with systems engineering tools (DOORS, JAMA) for requirements management and traceability.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in system development life cycle management
• Familiar with system safety, qualification and certification processes.
• Capable of technical management/monitoring on supplier design activities.
  
  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills for technical documentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Proactive and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to work in a mission-driven environment with strict quality and safety standards
• Leadership capabilities to mentor and guide engineering teams
  
  

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP certification – Preferred
• Thermal or Environmental Engineering professional certifications (e.g., ASHRAE, AIAA, ASTFE) – Advantageous
  
  

• Eligibility for UAE defense/security clearance mandatory
• Willingness to travel for testing, supplier visits, and technical collaboration as required
• Fluency in English required; Arabic language skills a plus
• Willingness to relocate to UAE