Project Manager - UAS System Integration & Test

EDGE Group

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • Just now
About ADASIADASI 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 PurposeThe Project Manager - UAS System Integration & Test is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing the integration and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) within ADASI's defense aerospace programs. This role requires both strategic oversight and hands-on technical leadership to coordinate cross-functional teams involved in the integration of avionics, propulsion, payloads, communications, and mission-critical software. The Project Manager ensures that UAS platforms meet system performance specifications, regulatory standards, and end-user requirements through rigorous ground and flight testing activities.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Management & ExecutionLead the end-to-end lifecycle of UAS integration and test programs, from requirements gathering through final system delivery.Develop project plans, timelines, cost estimates, and risk assessments.Ensure timely delivery of project milestones in line with engineering and program objectives.Align project execution with internal governance frameworks and defense acquisition standards.System Integration OversightManage the integration of subsystems including avionics, propulsion, electrical, software, payloads, and data links into the UAS platform.Support the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system architecture, and integration protocols.Ensure compatibility and performance of integrated components via bench-level and vehicle-level testing.Test ManagementDefine, plan, and execute system verification and validation strategies including ground testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing.Coordinate environmental, functional, and performance testing in accordance with MIL-STD, DO-160, or GCAA/UAE military standards.Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and post-test analysis and reporting.Stakeholder Engagement & ReportingAct as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, engineering teams, QA, and defense customers regarding system integration and test status.Prepare and present technical documentation, project dashboards, and risk logs to executive leadership.Manage coordination with external vendors, laboratories, and testing agencies as required.Compliance & DocumentationEnsure all integration and testing activities comply with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and UAE defense regulations.Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation practices for traceability and audit readiness.Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field (REQUIRED)Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or equivalent (PREFERRED)Experience8-12 years of experience in aerospace or defense engineering, with at least 5 years managing system integration and test projects.Direct experience with UAS platforms or military aircraft integration programs.Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex system development and validation cycles.Technical Skills & ToolsProficient in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar)Strong understanding of UAS architecture, avionics, power systems, propulsion, telemetry, and payload integrationHands-on experience with HIL/SIL environments, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, or dSPACEFamiliarity with communication protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN) and data acquisition systemsKnowledge of aerospace compliance standards: MIL-STD-810, DO-160, AS9100Experience using configuration and document control systems (DOORS, Polarion, Windchill)Preferred CertificationsPMP or PRINCE2 CertificationINCOSE Systems Engineering Certification (ASEP/CSEP)SAFe Agile Certification (desired but not required)Flight test qualification or military test pilot school exposure (a plus)Ideal AttributesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work under pressure in high-tempo defense programsExcellent verbal and written communication across technical and non-technical audiencesLeadership presence with the ability to influence diverse stakeholdersAdaptability and proactive mindset aligned with R&D, prototyping, and system certification environmentsWhy Join ADASIAt ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.#ADASI

EDGE Group