CHEIF SCIENTIST

Duncan & Ross; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace defense firm is seeking a highly experienced Project Manager/Chief Scientist to lead a strategic bilateral defense initiative focused on advanced flight systems. Responsibilities include executing project phases, coordinating engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with defense protocols. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering and at least 30 years in the defense sector, ideally with military experience and a solid foundation in various aerospace disciplines.

Qualifications

• 30 years of experience in the defense aerospace sector, ideally in rocketry or missile systems.
• Strong technical foundation in flight mechanisms, guidance systems, and avionics.
• Direct experience with DRDO missile programs or ISRO launch vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the GUR project across development, testing, and production phases.
• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams in propulsion, aerodynamics, and integration.
• Deliver strategic updates and risk assessments to senior leadership.

Skills

Technical expertise in aerospace engineering

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage stakeholder interests

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 defense sector 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