Program Manager Middle East

Harmattan AI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in the UAE seeks aSenior Program Manager with 10+ years in defence/aerospace to lead end-to-end delivery of complex export contracts. You will serve as the single customer contact, coordinate a cross-functional team across the Middle East and France, and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

The role demands structured, calm leadership under pressure, hands-on PMO setup, and proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and risk.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in defence/aerospace PM, with €20M+ export contract end-to-end in Middle East.
• Direct MoD-level customer exposure: offset, local content and dual-use export licensing.
• Autonomous, structured, calm under customer pressure; able to scale PMO.
• Engineering degree required (aerospace, EE, systems, mechatronics); PMP a plus; Arabic + English mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for the customer throughout program execution.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-spec delivery of complex systems.
• Guarantee all deliverables meet contractual, technical, and operational requirements.
• Anticipate risks and lead rapid, structured resolution of issues.
• Own the program timeline and ensure billing is activated at contractual milestones.
• Track and resolve program-level blockers, both technical and administrative.
• Ensure centralized product policies align with program-specific constraints.

Skills

Program Management

Stakeholder Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Risk & Compliance

Contract Management

Arabic & English

Education

Engineering degree (aerospace / EE / systems / mechatronics)

Job description

Job Description:

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.

About the Role

This is a client-facing role requiring precision, leadership, and domain expertise. You will ensure Harmattan AI delivers cutting-edge defense products while maintaining a centralized product vision that respects local program constraints.

The Program Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the project, collaborating closely with the team in France and managing a local team. He will serve as the main point of contact for the customer throughout the execution of the project.

Responsibilities

• Customer Interface: Act as the single point of contact for the customer throughout program execution.

• Delivery Coordination: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-spec delivery of complex and mass-produced systems.

• Compliance Oversight: Guarantee that all deliverables meet contractual, technical, and operational requirements.

• Crisis Management: Anticipate risks and lead rapid, structured resolution of issues as they arise.

• Invoicing & Revenue Triggering: Own the program timeline and ensure billing is activated at contractual milestones.

• Issue Management: Track and resolve program-level blockers, both technical and administrative.

• Local Interface Enablement: Ensure that centralized product policies are compatible with program-specific and customer-specific constraints.

• Enabler Identification: Identify missing enablers and elevate internally to unblock delivery or alignment.

Candidate Requirements

• 10+ years in defence/aerospace PM, having owned a €20M+ export contract end-to-end (scope, schedule, cost, risk, acceptance) in the Middle East region

• Direct MoD-level customer exposure: understands offset, local content and dual-use export licensing.

• Autonomous, structured, calm under customer pressure, hands-on: this is a scale-up where they build the PMO themselves.

• Engineering degree required (aerospace, EE, systems, mechatronics), PMP a plus, Arabic + English mandatory, mobile across Middle East.

• Strong knowledge of defense acquisition processes, program milestones, and compliance documentation.

• Ability to manage programs in cutting-edge/disruptive environments.

• Proficiency in managing a complete business plan.

• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.

• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams toward success.

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.

Requirements: