Principal Engineer Special Processes

Edge Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

EDGE Group, based in the United Arab Emirates, seeks an experienced Special Processes Manager to lead greenfield setup, equipment investment, and process development for aerospace capabilities such as shot peening, thermal spray coatings, heat treatment, brazing, and surface processing.

This role drives NPI, industrialization, and production readiness in collaboration with design, quality, and supply chain teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or propulsion manufacturing, with significant experience in special process development and industrialization.
• Proven experience in greenfield setup, capital investment, and industrialization of special process capability.
• Strong hands-on expertise in at least two aerospace special process technologies: shot peening, thermal spray coatings, heat treatment, brazing, chemical processing.
• Leadership in NPI and concurrent engineering environments.
• Experience developing process specifications, qualification plans, control plans, and process validation documentation.
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials and NADCAP.
• Experience leading teams and working with internal/external partners and capital investment projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead greenfield establishment of in-house special process capabilities, including facility layout, equipment specification, supplier selection, commissioning, and process qualification.
• Define equipment requirements, utility needs, process controls, and environmental requirements for new special process cells.
• Lead make-versus-buy evaluations and phased capability development strategies aligned with product roadmaps.
• Develop capital investment plans for special process equipment, tooling, and automation.
• Coordinate technology transfer activities from external partners and suppliers into Powertech manufacturing operations.

Skills

Leadership

NPI experience

Cross-functional

Aerospace expertise

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NADCAP knowledge

Quality systems experience

Job description

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Special Processes Manager is responsible for leading the greenfield setup, equipment investment, and process development of aerospace special process capabilities - including shot peening, thermal spray coatings, heat treatment, brazing, surface preparation, and chemical processing - supporting Powertech's propulsion programs, including turbofan, microjet, and piston engines.

This role leads New Product Introduction (NPI), industrialization, and serial production readiness for special processes performed in-house, working in close collaboration with design engineering, quality, supply chain, internal and external partners, equipment vendors, and technology providers. The position plays a key role in design-to-manufacture and concurrent engineering activities, ensuring robust, cost-effective, and NADCAP-compliant special process capability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Strategy, Greenfield Facility & Equipment Investment

• Lead the greenfield establishment of in-house special process capabilities, including facility layout, equipment specification, supplier selection, commissioning, and process qualification.
• Define equipment requirements, utility needs, process controls, and environmental requirements for new special process cells.
• Lead make-versus-buy evaluations and phased capability development strategies aligned with product and production roadmaps.
• Develop capital investment plans for special process equipment, tooling, and automation.
• Coordinate technology transfer activities from external partners and suppliers into Powertech manufacturing operations.

Special Process Development & Industrialization

• Lead the development, qualification, and continuous improvement of aerospace special processes for rotating, structural, and hot-section engine components.
• Provide technical leadership across processes including shot peening, thermal spray coatings (HVOF, plasma spray, wear-resistant and environmental coatings), heat treatment (vacuum heat treatment, solution treatment, aging, and stress relief), brazing, surface preparation, grit blasting, masking, cleaning and chemical processing.
• Define and approve manufacturing routings, process specifications, work instructions, and control plans.
• Establish process capability requirements and statistical monitoring methods to ensure stable and repeatable production performance.

NPI & Program Execution

• Lead special process engineering activities during New Product Introduction (NPI) from prototype development through production readiness.
• Direct manufacturing planning, process qualification, and production ramp-up activities for new engine programs and component families.
• Own the special process focal point role for assigned engine modules, components, and development programs.
• Ensure process readiness aligns with program schedules, quality requirements, and certification objectives.

Design-to-Manufacture & Concurrent Engineering

• Lead concurrent engineering activities with design teams to ensure components are optimized for manufacturability, process capability, durability, and cost.
• Provide technical input during design reviews, material selection activities, tolerance allocation, and coating requirements.
• Identify and mitigate manufacturing and process qualification risks early in the product development lifecycle.
• Direct development of process specifications and special process requirements for new component designs.
• Develop and technically support external special process suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturing partners.
• Lead supplier capability assessments, technical audits, qualification activities, and process improvement initiatives.
• Drive resolution of process-related technical issues across the supply chain.

Cost, Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead special process cost estimation, tracking, and improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost competitiveness.
• Drive implementation of best-in-class aerospace special process practices, digital tools, and continuous improvement systems.

Leadership & Governance

• Build, lead, and mentor the special processes engineering team, including engineers and technicians.
• Develop training, certification, and skill development programs.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality system requirements and special process accreditation activities, including NADCAP readiness and compliance.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or propulsion manufacturing, with significant experience in special process development and industrialization.
• Proven experience in greenfield setup, capital investment, and industrialization of special process capability.
• Strong hands-on expertise at least two or more of the following aerospace special process technologies: shot peening, thermal spray coatings, heat treatment, brazing, chemical processing.
• Demonstrated leadership in NPI and concurrent engineering environments.
• Experience developing process specifications, qualification plans, control plans, and process validation documentation.
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials including titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and high-temperature materials.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, process qualification methodologies, and special process accreditation requirements (NADCAP).
• Experience leading teams and working with internal stakeholders, external manufacturing partners, and capital investment projects.
• Ability to work effectively with design, quality, operations, supply chain, partners, and equipment vendors in a concurrent engineering environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 12 + years of experience in aerospace or propulsion manufacturing, with significant experience in special process development and industrialization.
• Proven experience in greenfield setup, capital investment, and industrialization of special process capability.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.