LEAD SCIENTIST / GUR PROJECT MANAGER (EX-DRDO)

Duncan & Ross; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly experienced Project Manager / Chief Scientist to spearhead a strategic aerospace defense initiative. This pivotal role involves leading the development, testing, and production of advanced flight systems while fostering collaboration between international partners. The ideal candidate will possess a robust technical background in defense aerospace, with over 30 years of experience, and a proven track record in managing complex projects. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the defense sector and drive innovation, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 30+ years in defense aerospace sector, ideally in rocketry or missile systems.
• Strong technical foundation in flight mechanisms and aerodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of GUR project across development, testing, and production.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary engineering teams and promote collaboration.

Skills

Flight mechanisms and airframes

Aerodynamics

Guidance and control systems

Avionics and mission electronics

Flight testing and data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

M.Tech / PhD in related discipline

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager / Chief Scientist with a strong weapons manufacturing background (ie. Pinaka) to lead a strategic bi-lateral 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 end-to-end execution of the GUR project across development, testing, and production phases.
• Oversee and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including propulsion, aerodynamics, avionics, flight control systems, and systems integration.
• Act as the primary interface for bi-lateral 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 :

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• M.Tech / PhD 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 high-speed flight vehicles.
• Military experience preferred, but not required.
• Strong technical foundation in several of the following areas :
• 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
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-national 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 end-to-end system lifecycle management.
• Experience working on bi-lateral or multilateral defense technology programs, ideally with exposure to export compliance and government-to-government agreements.

Vertical : Engineering

Project Manager • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates