Head of Autonomous Systems R&D

Confidential Company; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company seeks an experienced Head of Autonomous Systems R&D to lead perception, autonomy, and deployment on unmanned platforms. This hands-on leadership role combines technical direction, team management, system development, and real-world deployment.

Responsibilities include defining architecture, leading AI models, optimizing for embedded hardware, integrating flight controllers and sensors, mentoring engineers, and pushing continuous improvements in R&D speed and system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering.
• 8+ years in software and AI engineering, including 3+ years in technical leadership.
• At least 3 years in defence or aerospace programmes.
• Proven deployment of computer vision or autonomous systems on real platforms.
• Strong skills in C++, Python, ROS 2, object detection, tracking, and sensor fusion.
• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot and embedded GPU platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Preferred: experience with unmanned aerial systems, EO/IR sensors, GNSS-denied navigation, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical architecture and roadmap for perception and autonomy systems.
• Lead AI model development, simulation, field testing, and deployment.
• Optimise models for embedded hardware and real-time applications.
• Integrate flight controllers, sensors, and communication systems.
• Lead and mentor engineers while maintaining high engineering standards.
• Drive continuous improvements in R&D speed, testing, and system performance.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

System thinking

Embedded real-time proficiency

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science/Robotics/Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred or relevant certifications

Tools

ROS 2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

PX4 / ArduPilot

NVIDIA Jetson

Sensor fusion

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Autonomous Systems R&D to lead the development and deployment of advanced computer vision, robotics, and autonomous technologies for unmanned platforms.

This hands-on leadership role combines technical direction, team management, system development, and real-world deployment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define the technical architecture and roadmap for perception and autonomy systems.
• Lead AI model development, simulation, field testing, and deployment.
• Optimise models for embedded hardware and real‑time applications.
• Integrate flight controllers, sensors, and communication systems.
• Lead and mentor engineers while maintaining high engineering standards.
• Drive continuous improvements in R&D speed, testing, and system performance.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years in software and AI engineering, including 3+ years in technical leadership.
• At least 3 years of experience in defence or aerospace programmes.
• Proven deployment of computer vision or autonomous systems on real platforms.
• Strong skills in C++, Python, ROS 2, object detection, tracking, and sensor fusion.
• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot and embedded GPU platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Preferred: Experience with unmanned aerial systems, EO/IR sensors, GNSS-denied navigation, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.