Head of Mechanical Engineering — UAV Systems

AirQ; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

AirQ is seeking an experienced Head of Mechanical Department to lead the mechanical design engineering function for our unmanned aerial systems. You will own the technical quality, producibility, and on-time delivery of mechanical outputs across airframe structures, aerodynamic surfaces, mechanisms, and installations from concept through early production support.

The role requires building the department's capabilities, standards, processes, and team structure, while coordinating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering; MSc preferred.
• 10+ years in mechanical design; 3+ years in leadership.
• Expert-level with SolidWorks, CATIA or Siemens NX; strong surface modelling.
• Experience with composites, DFM, FEA/CFD collaboration.
• Fluent English (C1).

Responsibilities

• Lead workload planning and milestone alignment.
• Oversee design reviews and release of drawings and BOMs.
• Maintain CAD standards, drawing controls, and configuration management.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for airworthiness and certification.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Aerospace experience

English (C1)

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering

MSc preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

Job description

AirQ is seeking an experienced Head of Mechanical Department to lead the mechanical design engineering function for our unmanned aerial systems. You will own the technical quality, producibility, and on-time delivery of mechanical outputs across airframe structures, aerodynamic surfaces, mechanisms, and installations from concept through early production support.

The role requires building the department's capabilities, standards, processes, and team structure, while coordinating with