Principal Engineer, Automated Solutions

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

About Us

Are you ready to shape how cutting-edge technologies are positioned, understood, and adopted by real markets? At VentureOne, we build ventures and commercialize breakthrough technologies emerging from advanced research. Our focus spans Aerospace and Space, Security and Defense, Sustainability, Environment and Energy, and Transportation, with technologies across Cryptography, Secure Systems, Directed Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Systems, and more.

About Us

Are you ready to shape how cutting-edge technologies are positioned, understood, and adopted by real markets? At VentureOne, we build ventures and commercialize breakthrough technologies emerging from advanced research. Our focus spans Aerospace and Space, Security and Defense, Sustainability, Environment and Energy, and Transportation, with technologies across Cryptography, Secure Systems, Directed Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Systems, and more.

About The Role

The Principal Engineer acts as the lead technical authority for a large-scale industrial automation program, taking on the end-to-end engineering leadership scope and seed the best suitable solution for factory Automation to build the dark factory. Working alongside a dedicated Technical Program Manager and lead the technical team members of the project. The role owns engineering design integrity and technical governance across multiple automation packages (machining, surface treatment, testing, assembly, storage, transport, and digital/MES), working with a network of specialist vendors and delivery partners.

Key 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 Factory/Site Acceptance Test (FAT/SAT) documentation
• Ensure engineering solutions meet performance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Provide technical governance across the program lifecycle, from design through procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and support
• Lead technical risk identification and mitigation planning, escalating design or delivery risks to program leadership
• Provide technical sign-off input at key engineering 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
• Work closely with the Technical Program Manager to align technical scope with program schedule and commercial commitments
• Lead the technical engineering team in day-to-day activities, providing direct technical direction and leadership
• Validate partner and vendor engineering solutions and contribute engineering ideas and improvements
• Own solution delivery to the highest quality standard, targeting near 100% operational availability and reliability
• Review technical designs and secure client approval on the Design Approval Package (DAP)
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 12-15+ years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing engineering, or systems integration, including senior technical leadership roles
• Proven track record leading engineering design and integration across multi-vendor automation programs
• Experience of dark factory design and implementation (fully unmanned / lights-out manufacturing concepts)
• Strong knowledge of automation systems, including robotics, CNC, MES/SCADA, and material handling
• Experience with FAT/SAT processes and engineering acceptance criteria
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other regulated/high-security manufacturing environments
• Exposure to smart factory / Industry 4.0 architectures
• Experience on large-scale greenfield factory build programs
  
  

We provide a competitive, tax-free salary and a comprehensive benefits package in a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment. Our benefits include an education allowance, free on-site meals, annual flight allowance, health coverage, relocation support (if applicable), and access to well-being activities such as sports and recreational events. Join us to drive innovation and shape the future of technology!

How To Apply

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with VentureOne? If you're a visionary with a passion for innovation, we want to hear from you. To apply, please send your resume detailing your relevant experience and why you're the perfect fit for this role.

At VentureOne, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Join us in shaping the future of business. Apply today and let's venture into a world of possibilities together!