Manager – Field Services

GAL; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 380,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

GAL is seeking an experienced Manager – Field Services to lead engineering across design, tooling, equipment, and repair activities in the UAE. The role emphasizes DOA capability development and adherence to aviation standards within military aviation contexts.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in aviation engineering, airline/MRO environments, and certification activities, with exposure to DOA, PMA, Part 21, and related approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Avionics, or related engineering.
• Minimum 10+ years of aviation engineering experience, including 5+ years in military aviation services/MRO.
• Experience with DOA, Part 21, PMA, or equivalent approvals.
• Knowledge of QMS, AS9110, IPT environments, and engineering analysis is an advantage.
• Strong communication, leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering activities across design, tooling & equipment, and repair engineering functions.
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness standards, including EASA/FAA Part 21 or equivalent.
• Oversee design execution, data production, testing, validation, and certification activities.
• Lead repair engineering to meet design, safety, and certification requirements.
• Lead R&D, reverse engineering, and obsolescence management initiatives.
• Support development of internal DOA, Part 21, PMA, or equivalent certification capability.
• Manage design, development, testing, and certification of tools, equipment, and processes.
• Lead liaison with OEMs, suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure materials, processes, specifications, and deliverables meet aviation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical / Mechanical / Avionics Engineering

MS or MBA (advantage)

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Manager – Field Services to join our Engineering Department. The role will be responsible for managing design, tooling & equipment, and repair engineering activities, while supporting the development and sustainment of Design Organization Approval (DOA) capability.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in military aviation engineering, aircraft maintenance/repair environments, and certification activities, with specific exposure to EASA/FAA Part 21 or equivalent, DOA, PMA, design, repair, modification, testing, and validation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage engineering activities across design, tooling & equipment, and repair engineering functions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable airworthiness standards, including EASA/FAA Part 21 or equivalent.
• Oversee design execution, technical data production, testing, verification, validation, and certification activities.
• Manage repair engineering activities, ensuring repairs meet design, safety, and certification requirements.
• Lead R&D, reverse engineering, and obsolescence management initiatives.
• Support the development of internal DOA, Part 21, PMA, or equivalent certification capability.
• Manage design, development, testing, and certification of tools, equipment, special processes, and engineering methods.
• Lead technical liaison with OEMs, suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure materials, processes, specifications, and deliverables comply with aviation standards and company procedures.
• Develop departmental plans, budgets, KPIs, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team while supporting UAE National development and knowledge transfer.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, audit, risk, and environmental management requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Avionics, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Aviation or military school background, MS, or MBA is an advantage.
• Minimum 10+ years of related aviation engineering experience, including at least 5 years in military aviation services, MRO, aircraft maintenance/repair, overhaul programs, engineering changes, modifications, design, testing, or certification.
• Strong experience within a Design Organization / DOA environment, with knowledge of Part 21, PMA, or equivalent approvals.
• Strong knowledge of military aviation operations, aircraft systems, engineering support, airworthiness, certification, and quality standards.
• Experience with QMS, AS9110, IPT environments, and engineering analysis is an advantage.
• Strong communication, leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.