Lead Mechanical Engineer

-; Al Bihouth; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology research center in Abu Dhabi seeks a highly motivated Lead Mechanical Engineer to oversee the mechanical architecture and design for a spaceborne radar payload. The role involves managing a team of junior engineers while ensuring compliance with mission requirements and leading mechanical/thermal activities. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's or Master's in mechanical engineering, possess at least 10 years of space application experience, and have a strong command of CAD software. Join a diverse team committed to innovation and success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in space applications.
• Familiarity with space qualification processes and environmental testing.
• Strong knowledge of CAD software and structural/thermal analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical/thermal engineering activities for radar payload.
• Define mechanical/thermal architecture and ensure compliance.
• Develop CAD models, detailed drawings, and mechanical documentation.
• Support selection of materials for space environments.
• Develop and validate mechanical/thermal models for launch conditions.

Skills

Thermo-mechanical design for space environment

Leadership

CAD software proficiency

Structural/thermal analysis

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

THERMICA

FEEMA

CREO

Job description

Directed Energy Research Center are seeking a highly motivated Lead Mechanical Engineer to join TII and contribute to the development and implementation of a spaceborne SAR payload.

The role includes the oversight of mechanical architecture and design, guiding the selection of materials, structural elements and thermal interfaces to meet space system requirements. The Lead Mechanical/Thermal Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams (system, HW/RF, validation and AIT) to ensure that mechanical/thermal performance objectives are met from concept through testing to in-orbit operation.

The job also requires managing and mentoring a team of junior engineers.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical/thermal engineering activities for the radar payload, including structural design, thermal analysis, and mechanical integration (structural analysis, thermal, thermoelastic stress)
• Define the mechanical/thermal architecture and ensure compliance with mission requirements, environmental constraints and interface specifications.
• Oversee the development of CAD models, detailed drawings, and mechanical documentation.
• Ensure cohesive payload development and alignment with requirements.
• Support the selection of materials, components and manufacturing processes suitable for space environments.
• Develop and validate mechanical/thermal models (e.g., FEM, thermal simulations) to predict performance under launch and space conditions.
• Prototyping and testing mechanical structure and the deployment mechanisms.
• Lead the relevant reviews for the mechanical verification and qualification campaigns (vibration, acoustic, shock and thermal vacuum testing).
• Contribute to risk assessments, design reviews and anomaly investigations.
• Report regularly to the division director and relevant stakeholders.
• Participating in multidisciplinary discussions within the activity domain of DERC.
• Provide training and mentorship to a team of young engineers in the relevant technical domain

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in space applications.
• Strong knowledge about thermo‑mechanical design for space environment.
• Strong knowledge of CAD software and structural/thermal analysis tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, ANSYS, NASTRAN, THERMICA, FEEMA, CREO).
• Familiarity with space qualification processes and environmental testing.
• Familiar with space standards such as the ECSS.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Proficient in English language, both written and spoken.

At the Advanced Technology Research Council in Abu Dhabi, we embrace diversity, recognizing that a multitude of backgrounds, skills and experiences drive innovation and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives thrive, ensuring equal opportunities, zero tolerance for discrimination and a supportive workplace that values respect, collaboration and continuous improvement.