CHEIF SCIENTIST

Duncan & Ross; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace defense company is seeking a highly experienced Project Manager/Chief Scientist to lead a strategic bilateral initiative in the UAE. The role requires extensive knowledge in weapons manufacturing and aerospace engineering, aiming to manage multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates should have 30 years of experience in defense projects, particularly in missile systems or high-speed flight vehicles. This opportunity offers a chance to directly influence international aerospace defense initiatives.

Qualifications

• 30 years of experience in the defense aerospace sector.
• Strong technical foundation in areas such as aerodynamics and flight testing.
• Experience with defense R&D programs like DRDO and ISRO.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of the GUR project.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Act as the primary interface for bilateral coordination.
• Monitor project timelines and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with defense protocols.

Skills

Project management

Aerospace Engineering

Defense sector knowledge

Leadership

Cross-national collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager/Chief Scientist with a strong weapons manufacturing background (ie. Pinaka) to lead a strategic bilateral aerospace defense initiative focused on the development testing and production of advanced flight systems. This role requires deep technical expertise proven leadership in defensesector projects and the ability to drive collaboration between international partner organizations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the endtoend execution of the GUR project across development testing and production phases.
• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams including propulsion aerodynamics avionics flight control systems and systems integration.
• Act as the primary interface for bilateral coordination ensuring smooth technical and administrative collaboration between participating nations.
• Promote a cohesive and professional working culture across diverse institutional and cultural environments.
• Monitor and control project timelines budgets risk management and adherence to performance and quality standards.
• Deliver strategic updates technical progress reports and risk assessments to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with defense protocols security guidelines and program governance frameworks.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• ( or Scientist grade from a recognized defense R&D organization is highly preferred).
• 30 years of experience in the defense aerospace sector ideally in rocketry missile systems or highspeed flight vehicles.
• Military experience preferred but not required.
• Strong technical foundation in several of the following areas:
  • Ground launch systems
  • Flight mechanisms and airframes
  • Aerodynamics
  • Guidance and control systems
  • Avionics and mission electronics
  • Flight testing and data analysis
• Direct experience with defense R&D programs such as:
• DRDO missile or space launch systems (e.g. AGNI PINAKA NAG ASAT)
• ISRO launch vehicle or systems integration teams
• Governmentbacked aerospace development programs
• Demonstrated success in leading crossnational or joint defense collaborations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build alliances manage stakeholder interests and navigate intergovernmental partnerships.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND:

• Former DRDO Scientist (C/D/E or higher) or senior engineering/project role in a leading aerospace/defense organization.
• Background in systems engineering or mission systems integration with a focus on endtoend system lifecycle management.
• Experience working on bilateral or multilateral defense technology programs ideally with exposure to export compliance and governmenttogovernment agreements.

Vertical:

Engineering