Mechanical Design Authority - Airframe Structures

Adasi; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering firm in the UAE is seeking a Mechanical Design Authority for Airframe Structures. This role involves leading mechanical design for UAV platforms, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and mentoring engineering teams. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, extensive experience in aerospace and a strong foundation in design governance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aerospace / defense structural engineering.
• 5+ years in a design authority or senior technical leadership role.
• Direct experience with UAV, rotorcraft, or fixed-wing aircraft design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and integrity of airframe structures for UAV platforms.
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness standards and oversee product lifecycle.
• Act as primary design signatory at key project milestones.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Structures or Composite Design

Tools

CAD - CATIA V5 / V6

FEA - ANSYS

PLM - Teamcenter

Job description

Mechanical Design Authority - Airframe Structures

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About ADASI

ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region’s technological edge in defense innovation.

About ADASI

ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region’s technological edge in defense innovation.

The Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Authority – Airframe Structures to lead the mechanical design and integrity of airframe structures for our UAV platforms. This pivotal role provides strategic design direction, ensures compliance with airworthiness standards, and supports the full product lifecycle from concept to certification. As the ultimate design signatory, you will champion design excellence and technical governance across cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Design Governance & Technical Authority

• Own and control the technical baseline for all mechanical structural components.
• Approve and release design data, drawings, and models aligned with system-level requirements.
• Develop and enforce structural design standards and configuration management practices.
• Act as primary design signatory at key project milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR).

Strategic Oversight & Leadership

Contribute to product strategy and platform evolution through structural design leadership.

Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Drive innovation in structural architectures and manufacturing methods.

Structural Analysis & Verification

Oversee load path definition, stress analysis, and fatigue life assessments.

Guide simulation and testing campaigns including FEA, vibration, and crashworthiness testing.

Ensure comprehensive traceability from design to verification.

Certification, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, DO-160, and relevant airworthiness standards (UAE MoD, GCAA).

Interface with certification bodies and internal QA / safety functions.

Lead FMEA, hazard analyses, and structural safety reviews.

Cross-Functional Integration

Support DFM / DFA with manufacturing engineering and assist in NCR resolution.

Provide technical oversight for outsourced mechanical components and suppliers.

Participate in trade studies and technology roadmap reviews.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (REQUIRED).

Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Structures or Composite Design (PREFERRED).

Experience

10+ years in aerospace / defense structural engineering.

5+ years in a design authority or senior technical leadership role.

Direct experience with UAV, rotorcraft, or fixed-wing aircraft design and certification.

Certifications

Certification in design engineering or relevant aerospace standards is an advantage.

Technical Tools

CAD : CATIA V5 / V6 (or equivalent)

FEA : ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, HyperMesh

PLM : Teamcenter, Windchill, ARAS

Standards : MIL-STD, AS9100, STANAGs, CS-UAS, EASA CS-23 / 25

Other : Simulation & analysis tools, structural testing software

Ideal Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong decision-making skills.

Influential leader with experience in cross-functional teams.

Detail-oriented with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Strong communicator with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders.

Committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Why Join ADASI

At ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.

ADASI

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing

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