Head of AI – Space and Electronic

Unikie; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Unikie is seeking a Head of AI to lead the development and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities for space and electronic warfare domains. The role combines AI leadership with strong experience in military operations, spectrum management, and mission assurance to shape resilient space-based communications.

The candidate will steer teams across satellites, payloads, ground systems and networks, collaborating with engineering, defence, telecom and cybersecurity stakeholders

Qualifications

• Experience with satellite architectures and military-grade AI deployments.
• Experience publishing research or securing patents in AI/RF domains.
• Prior senior military/officer or defence technology leadership is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the AI strategy for resilient space-based communications.
• Lead teams across satellites, payloads, ground systems and operational networks.
• Operate across engineering, operations, defence, telecommunications, cybersecurity and executive stakeholders.
• Oversee development and deployment of intelligent capabilities for space platforms.

Skills

Satellite payloads

Multi-orbit networks

5G NTN

D2D services

MSS

3GPP NTN

Spectrum management

RF sensing

AI for autonomous systems

Mission planning

Operational decision support

Research publication

Patents

Military leadership

Education

Doctorate

Tools

Software-defined radios

Cognitive radio

Job description

WE ARE LOOKING FOR Head of AI – Space and Electronic

We are seeking an accomplished Head of AI to lead the development and deployment of artificial intelligence capabilities.The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in AI and machine learning with a substantial background in military operations, electronic warfare, spectrum operations, communications intelligence or mission assurance. They will define the AI strategy for resilient space-based communications and lead teams developing intelligent capabilities across satellites, payloads, ground systems and operational networks.

This is a strategic leadership role requiring the ability to operate across engineering, operations, defence, telecommunications, cybersecurity and executive stakeholder environments.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with satellite payloads, multi-orbit networks, 5G NTN, D2D services or MSS.
• Knowledge of 3GPP Release 17 or later NTN standards.
• Experience with L-band, S-band or other satellite communications spectrum.
• Familiarity with software-defined radios, cognitive radio, electronic support measures or RF sensing.
• Experience developing AI for autonomous systems, mission planning or operational decision support.
• Doctorate or equivalent research experience in AI, RF systems, signal processing or a related field.
• Track record of publishing research, securing patents or delivering mission-critical technology.
• Previous service as a senior military officer, EW commander, intelligence leader or defence technology executive.