Principal Engineer - Missile Aerodynamics

LevelUP HCS; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

LevelUP HCS in Abu Dhabi is seeking a senior aerospace engineer to lead the design and optimization of missile fuselages, wings and control surfaces. You will integrate aerodynamic requirements with structural performance and oversee technical delivery.

You will mentor engineers, support capability development, and collaborate with the Chief Engineer. A Master’s in Aerospace Engineering and 8+ years in UAS are required, with UAE/Middle East exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering is required.
• Eight+ years in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with senior or lead experience.
• Knowledge of guided weapons is preferred and UAE/Middle East experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of missile fuselages, wings and control surfaces.
• Integrate aerodynamic requirements to balance structural functionality and performance.
• Apply aerospace theory to missile stability and performance analysis.
• Perform transonic and supersonic analysis from concept to trade studies and MDO.
• Communicate complex technical information to stakeholders clearly.
• Establish and improve engineering infrastructure, tools and laboratories.
• Support the Chief Engineer and mentor developing engineers.

Skills

Missile design

Aerodynamics

Flight dynamics

Control theory

UAS experience

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

DATCOM

ANSYS Fluent

MATLAB

CAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Lead missile aerodynamic design and optimization while supporting technical delivery, capability development and engineering mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of missile fuselages, wings and control surfaces.
• Integrate aerodynamic requirements to achieve balanced structural functionality and performance.
• Apply advanced aerodynamics, flight dynamics, jet propulsion and control theory to missile stability and performance.
• Perform transonic and supersonic analysis and support conceptual design through requirements, concepts, trade studies, sensitivity analysis and multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO).
• Apply mathematical methods to design calculations and simulation interpretation.
• Communicate technical information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Establish and improve engineering infrastructure, tools and laboratories.
• Support the Chief Engineer and mentor developing engineers.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Specialist qualification or master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum eight years of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry experience, including at least three years in a senior or team-lead role.
• Knowledge of guided weapons is preferred.
• Experience in the United Arab Emirates or Middle East is desirable.

Technical Skills

• Missile conceptual design, applied aerodynamics and aerospace testing.
• DATCOM and ANSYS Fluent for missile simulations.
• MATLAB, Microsoft Office and computer-aided design (CAD) software; SolidWorks preferred.
• Jet-propulsion selection, integration and optimization.
• Missile control theory and professional English proficiency.

Core Competencies

• Advanced problem-solving, teamwork and leadership.
• Emotional intelligence and clear technical communication.
• Timeline and deliverable management.
• Engineering capability and infrastructure development.