Airport Operations Systems Lead

edari; Dubai; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

edari is seeking an Airport Operations Systems Lead in Dubai to oversee the implementation, integration, and ongoing management of terminal, airfield, and baggage systems. The role emphasizes AI/ML-enabled decision support, real-time operations, and lifecycle upgrades while ensuring security and compliance.

The contract position runs for 14 months with renewal potential, based in Dubai, UAE. Strong background in CUTE/CUPPS, AODB, BHS, and baggage systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or Aviation Management; Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, deployment, and integration of airport systems across terminal and airfield operations.
• Define technical and operational requirements aligned with safety standards and capacity planning.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and solution providers to ensure on-schedule, within-scope implementation.
• Oversee 24/7 performance and reliability of critical systems.
• Develop SOPs, incident response protocols, and business continuity strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/IT/Aviation Management

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AODB

CUTE/CUPPS

FIDS

BRS

GMS

SCADA

Job description

We are looking to hire a Airport Operations Systems Lead who will be responsible for overseeing the implementation, integration, and operational management of critical airport systems across terminal operations, airfield operations, and baggage handling. This role is pivotal in delivering and maintaining mission-critical technologies that enable safe, efficient, and seamless airport operations while driving the adoption of AI and ML-powered capabilities for smarter decision-making and optimized passenger flows.

Our client, based in Dubai, is one of the leading multinational organisation in the region. This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 14 months and is renewable.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design, deployment, and integration of airport systems supporting terminal operations (check-in, boarding, gates), airfield management (AODB, resource management, surveillance systems), and baggage handling (BHS, BRS, Baggage Track & Trace).
• Define technical and operational requirements in alignment with airport strategic goals, safety standards, and future capacity planning.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, consultants, and solution providers to ensure systems are implemented on schedule, within scope, and meet all performance and quality benchmarks.
• Oversee the daily performance and reliability of operational systems to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 functionality.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, system incident response protocols, and business continuity strategies to ensure high availability and resiliency.
• Coordinate closely with AOCC, IT, baggage operations, and airside teams to enable integrated, real-time situational awareness.
• Drive innovation through the implementation of AI, Machine Learning, and predictive analytics to enhance decision support, passenger flow optimization, and resource allocation.
• Lead digital transformation efforts by introducing automation, cloud-based architectures, and intelligent systems for enhanced operational insight.
• Ensure seamless system interoperability across all operational domains including security, passenger services, baggage, and flight operations.
• Lead lifecycle upgrades, migrations, and ensure alignment with cybersecurity and compliance frameworks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or Aviation Management; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in airport systems or aviation IT, including leadership in large-scale technology implementations.
• In-depth knowledge of Terminal systems (CUTE/CUPPS, CUSS, FIDS, BRS, Security Screening), Airfield systems (AODB, RMS, Surface Movement, Airport Surveillance, GMS) and Baggage systems (BHS, SCADA, integration with airline DCS and BRS)
• Experience in designing or implementing AI/ML-enabled systems to support data-driven operations.
• Proven track record in enhancing seamless passenger processing, self-service technologies, and biometric integrations.
• Familiarity with aviation standards (IATA, ICAO, ACI), and ITSM frameworks (e.g., ITIL).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in English language is essential.