Chief Testing & Calibration Architect

AirQ; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Q Limited in Abu Dhabi seeks Head of Testing & Calibration to establish and lead the Testing & Calibration function within the AIT division. You will build the team, set testing and calibration processes, and ensure readiness ahead of production line go-live.

Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Production and external partners to meet technical and quality requirements, implement ISO 9001/AS9100 controls, and drive continuous improvement through rework and defect resolution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in testing, quality, calibration, or technical leadership.
• Experience within aerospace, defense, UAV, aviation, or other regulated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in establishing, building, or scaling a testing and calibration function.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-functional engineering activities.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.
• Quality or calibration certifications, such as ISO 9001/AS9100 Internal Auditor, are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Testing & Calibration function.
• Recruit and develop key team members, including the Testing & Calibration Lead and Production Testing Engineer.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, processes, and performance standards for the testing team.
• Monitor and report testing readiness, throughput, quality, and performance metrics to the VP of AIT.
• Own overall test and calibration readiness ahead of production line and facility go-live.
• Establish standardized testing, inspection, calibration, and integration checkout procedures.
• Define requirements and standards for test rigs, test equipment, and associated systems.
• Ensure all testing and measurement equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and traceable.
• Establish and manage effective rework, repair, and defect-resolution workflows.
• Ensure testing activities support production targets while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Ensure testing and calibration processes comply with applicable quality and industry standards.
• Implement and maintain robust quality controls across testing activities.
• Support compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and other relevant quality management requirements.
• Work with quality and regulatory teams during audits and corrective-action activities.
• Monitor defect and quality escape rates and drive continuous improvement.
• Work closely with R&D and Engineering teams to establish and align test criteria during product handover.
• Coordinate with Production, Integration, and other AIT functions to ensure smooth testing workflows.
• Identify test equipment and facility requirements based on product and production needs.
• Support technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis for test failures and quality issues.
• Coordinate with test equipment suppliers and calibration laboratories.
• Liaise with certification, regulatory, and quality auditing bodies when required.
• Manage technical coordination with external engineering and testing partners.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Tools

Test rigs

Calibration management

Quality documentation

Job description

Air Q Limited in Abu Dhabi seeks Head of Testing & Calibration to establish and lead the Testing & Calibration function within the AIT division. You will build the team, set testing and calibration processes, and ensure readiness ahead of production line go-live.

Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Production and external partners to meet technical and quality requirements, implement ISO 9001/AS9100 controls, and drive continuous improvement through rework and defect resolution.