Subject Matter Expert Fuel Systems Design And Development UAV

ARENGY is a prominent Engineering and Recruiting Services Company operating within the Middle East, specifically from Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE). Our clientele includes some of the most successful industry leaders worldwide.

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Subject Matter Expert – Fuel Systems Design and Development for the development of a new series of Military UAV projects. This is a permanent role with our client, a leading innovator in the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies.

Job Description

The Subject Matter Expert – Fuel Systems Design and Development will serve as the technical authority for fuel systems in UAV development programs. The SME is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, and performance validation of fuel storage, distribution, gauging, and inerting systems. This role ensures alignment with mission requirements, regulatory standards, and safety-critical design principles, while enabling innovation and strategic technical leadership across platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise

• Own the end-to-end technical definition and strategy for fuel systems including tanks, pumps, valves, lines, sensors, vents, and inerting systems.
• Develop and validate system architectures based on UAV mission profiles, endurance targets, center of gravity considerations, and integration constraints.
• Serve as design authority for all fuel system-related components and subsystems across platform variants.
  
  

• Define system- and component-level requirements in alignment with platform-level design and operational needs.
• Ensure traceability from high-level mission requirements down to verification plans and test protocols.
• Oversee development of interface control documents (ICDs), FMEA, hazard analyses, and fuel safety standards.
  
  

• Support integration of fuel systems with airframe, propulsion, avionics, and ground servicing systems.
• Lead or oversee functional testing, leak testing, fuel flow validation, endurance tests, and fault injection scenarios.
• Ensure compliance with standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and GCAA/UAE MoD airworthiness requirements.
  
  

• Identify and evaluate emerging fuel system technologies, materials, or configurations applicable to long-range or high-altitude UAV platforms.
• Drive performance optimization through weight reduction, volume utilization, and redundancy strategies.
• Collaborate on cross-program initiatives related to alternative fuels, hybridization, and UAV energy systems.
  
  

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to design engineers, analysts, and integration specialists.
• Support development of internal technical standards, fuel system design guides, and lessons learned databases.
• Represent the Company at conferences, partner meetings, and industry technical forums as needed.
  
  

• Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED).
• Masters Degree in Fuel Systems Engineering, Propulsion Systems, or Aircraft Systems Integration (PREFERRED).
  
  

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace fuel system design, integration, and testing, with at least 4 years as a technical or SME-level lead.
• Experience in fuel systems for UAVs, military aircraft, or rotorcraft highly desirable.
• Exposure to composite tank integration, pressurization systems, and fuel gauging technologies.
  
  

• Deep understanding of:
• Gravity-fed and pressurized fuel systems
• Fuel pumps, flow control valves, pressure regulators, and sensor technologies
• Fuel venting, inerting systems, and thermal/environmental considerations
• Proficient in CAD and system modeling tools (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX, MATLAB/Simulink, Simcenter Amesim).
• Familiarity with hazard mitigation strategies, redundancy design, and fuel contamination control.
• Strong working knowledge of aerospace fuel system standards: MIL-STD-810, SAE ARP documents, DO-160, and AS9100.
  
  

• Strong leadership in a multi-disciplinary technical environment.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across engineering, production, certification, and supplier teams.
• Strategic thinking and innovation planning capabilities.
• Excellent documentation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Comfortable with high-level stakeholder engagement and technical presentations.
  
  

• INCOSE Systems Engineering Certification (ASEP/CSEP) – Preferred
• Fuel System OEM or Tier-1 Training Certifications – Advantageous
• AS9100 Awareness / Auditor Certification – Preferred