Project Manager - Airframe Structures

Edge Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace defense company in the UAE seeks a Project Manager – Airframe Structures to lead UAV structural projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering and 10+ years in aerospace/defense, with expertise in project management. The role demands managing project lifecycles, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, and engagement with cross-functional teams. Competitive compensation and growth opportunities offered.

Benefits

Collaborative working culture

Impact on national security

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace/defense engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience in project management.
• Experience with UAV or military-grade aerospace systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of airframe structural projects.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Technical Knowledge of Aerospace

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s Degree in Aerospace Structures or related

Tools

MS Project

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

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ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region’s technological edge in defense innovation.

The Role

We are seeking a Project Manager – Airframe Structures to lead the design, development, and integration of structural components across our UAV platforms. This is a cross-functional leadership role blending engineering expertise, program management, and strategic direction. The successful candidate will oversee the full lifecycle of structural projects—from concept to production—ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, performance benchmarks, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of airframe structural projects.

Develop and manage detailed project timelines, budgets, and resource plans.

Drive execution with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, simulation, and testing.

Ensure compliance with PMO governance frameworks and organizational targets.

Technical Oversight

Collaborate with structural and analysis teams to validate design, material selection, and build methods.

Supervise CAD, FEM, and structural testing activities, ensuring alignment with UAV standards.

Support subsystem integration across avionics, payloads, and propulsion systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as key liaison between engineering teams, internal stakeholders, and external defense partners.

Deliver technical updates and project status reports to senior leadership and customers.

Coordinate with procurement, supply chain, and QA teams to maintain delivery integrity.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure adherence to aerospace and defense standards (MIL-STD, AS9100, GCAA/UAE regulations).

Maintain robust documentation including design reviews, test outcomes, and configuration controls.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Master’s Degree preferred, particularly in Aerospace Structures, Systems Engineering, or Engineering Management.

Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace/defense engineering, with at least 8 years in project management.

Proven track record in leading airframe structural projects through full development cycles.

Experience with UAV or military-grade aerospace systems is essential.

Technical Tools

Project Management: MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent

Engineering Software: CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS, NASTRAN

Productivity: MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems is a plus

Ideal Attributes

Deep technical knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fatigue, and structural testing

Strong leadership and communication skills; able to align cross-functional teams

Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset and high resilience under pressure

Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)

Collaborative, results-driven, and quality-focused

Why Join ADASI

At ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.