Principal Automation Architect for Dark Factory Programs

VentureOne; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education allowance

Free on-site meals

Annual flight allowance

Health coverage

Relocation support

Well-being activities

Job summary

VentureOne in Abu Dhabi seeks a Principal Engineer to lead end-to-end automation programs for a large-scale factory, driving technical strategy and governance across multiple packages. You will guide a team of engineers, review vendor designs, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, targeting near 100% availability.

You'll combine deep expertise in mechanical/electrical/industrial domains with hands-on leadership, shaping digital and MES/SCADA integration for dark factory concepts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, mechatronics engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 12-15+ years in industrial automation, manufacturing engineering, or systems integration with senior technical leadership.
• Proven track record leading engineering design and integration across multi-vendor automation programs.
• Experience with dark factory design and unmanned manufacturing concepts.
• Strong knowledge of automation systems including robotics, CNC, MES/SCADA, and material handling.
• Experience with FAT/SAT processes and engineering acceptance criteria.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated/high-security manufacturing environments; Industry 4.0 architectures; large-scale greenfield factory builds.

Responsibilities

• Act as the senior technical authority for the program, owning engineering design decisions and technical risk across all automation packages.
• Review and approve vendor engineering designs, technical specifications, and FAT/SAT documentation.
• Ensure engineering solutions meet performance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical governance across the program lifecycle from design to handover and support.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation planning, escalating design or delivery risks to program leadership.
• Provide technical sign-off input at key milestones (design freeze, FAT, SAT).
• Guide and mentor engineering and technical engineers across automation packages.
• Support technical evaluation of vendors, technologies, and proposals.
• Represent engineering in client and internal program reviews.
• Align technical scope with schedule and commercial commitments with the TPM.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Technical governance

Vendor evaluation

Mentoring engineers

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Mechatronics Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

FAT/SAT processes

CNC

Robotics

MES/SCADA

Job description

VentureOne in Abu Dhabi seeks a Principal Engineer to lead end-to-end automation programs for a large-scale factory, driving technical strategy and governance across multiple packages. You will guide a team of engineers, review vendor designs, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, targeting near 100% availability.

You'll combine deep expertise in mechanical/electrical/industrial domains with hands-on leadership, shaping digital and MES/SCADA integration for dark factory concepts