Aerodynamics Engineer – UAV & Aircraft Design

TalentOne; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentOne in Abu Dhabi, UAE, seeks a Drone Design Engineer – Aerodynamics to lead the aerodynamic design of UAV platforms and optimize performance from concept through detail. You will deploy CFD to assess drag, lift and stability, and you will work with CATIA-based models to drive efficient designs.

The role requires 8+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or UAV design, strong aerodynamic theory, and the ability to collaborate across engineering teams to validate airframe performance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or closely related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in aerodynamic engineering and UAV/drone development.
• Hands-on experience with CATIA for aerospace design.
• Experience conducting CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, stability, and control.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong documentation and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic design of UAV platforms from concept to detailed design.
• Set up CFD simulations to evaluate drag, lift and performance for UAVs.
• Prepare technical calculations and engineering reports for design reviews.
• Participate in design reviews, validation activities, and testing as needed.
• Collaborate with structural, avionics, systems, and testing teams to meet aero requirements.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Flight dynamics

CFD analysis

CATIA CAD

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA

ANSYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

Job description

Drone Design Engineer – Aerodynamics

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

We are seeking an experienced Drone Design Engineer – Aerodynamics to support the aerodynamic design, development, analysis, and validation of advanced UAV platforms. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in aircraft design principles, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, CAD design, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

This role is ideal for a highly experienced aerospace or aeronautical engineering professional with a strong background in designing and optimizing aircraft, UAV, or other airborne platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed aerodynamic design of UAV and drone platforms.
• Develop and optimize aircraft and UAV designs with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, flight performance, stability, and control.
• Create and modify aerospace design models using CATIA or similar advanced CAD tools.
• Set up, perform, and interpret Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate airflow, aerodynamic performance, drag, lift, and overall design efficiency.
• Use CFD analysis to identify design improvements and optimize the aerodynamic performance of UAV platforms.
• Evaluate flight dynamics, stability, control characteristics, and overall aircraft performance.
• Work closely with structural, avionics, systems, and engineering teams to ensure aerodynamic requirements are effectively incorporated into the overall UAV design.
• Support the integration of payloads and onboard systems while considering their impact on aircraft performance, stability, weight distribution, and flight characteristics.
• Participate in design reviews, engineering discussions, technical evaluations, and validation activities.
• Support prototype development, testing, and flight validation activities where required.
• Prepare and maintain technical calculations, simulation results, design documentation, and engineering reports.
• Ensure engineering work is completed in accordance with applicable quality, safety, and technical standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across UAV design, aerodynamic analysis, and engineering processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Design, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in aerodynamic engineering, aircraft design, aerospace engineering, UAV/drone development, or related aviation and advanced engineering environments.
• Extensive hands-on experience in aircraft, UAV, drone, or aerospace design and aerodynamic engineering.
• Strong hands-on experience using CATIA for aircraft, aerospace, or advanced engineering design.
• Proven experience in setting up, conducting, and interpreting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Experience using CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar simulation tools.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, flight dynamics, aircraft stability, and control.
• Experience evaluating and optimizing aircraft or UAV performance based on aerodynamic analysis and simulation results.
• Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines and collaborate with structural, avionics, systems, testing, and R&D teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate simulation and engineering data into practical design improvements.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate technical documentation.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in the design and development of UAVs or drone platforms.
• Experience supporting prototype development and engineering validation.
• Practical exposure to drone operation, UAV piloting, or flight-testing activities.
• Experience working in aerospace, aviation, advanced engineering, or R&D environments.
• Exposure to integrating payloads, onboard systems, or electronic components into aircraft or UAV platforms.