Project Manager - GCS

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

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking a Project Manager for Ground Control Systems in the UAE. This role involves leading the development and integration of GCS for UAV programs. The ideal candidate should have 8+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with significant experience in project management and a relevant engineering degree. Join a team that fosters innovation and contributes to national security.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Impact on national security

High-performance culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 8+ years in aerospace/defense engineering.
• Experience in Ground Control Systems and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead project lifecycle from concept to deployment.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams in system integration.
• Ensure compliance with defense engineering standards.

Skills

Leadership and stakeholder engagement

Project management

Technical oversight

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Master’s Degree in Project Management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Jira

Job description

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 – Ground Control Systems (GCS) to lead the full lifecycle of GCS development and integration across ADASI’s UAV programs. This role is responsible for delivering secure, mission‑ready GCS solutions that include hardware interfaces, real‑time software, communication systems, and ground support tools. The position requires a balance of technical depth, project governance, and cross‑functional leadership to ensure that GCS platforms meet operational, safety, and security requirements while aligning with delivery timelines and defense‑grade standards.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

Define project scope, deliverables, and success criteria for Ground Control System programs

Lead all phases of the project lifecycle, from concept and design to deployment and support

Develop and maintain project plans, resource schedules, risk registers, and progress metrics

Cross‑Functional Team Leadership

Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams spanning software, systems, avionics, communications, and cybersecurity

Act as the focal point between engineering, QA, procurement, manufacturing, and external stakeholders

Drive design reviews and milestone gates (SRR, PDR, CDR) to maintain alignment across all stakeholders

Technical Oversight

Guide development of C2 interfaces, SATCOM/LOS datalink integration, mission planning tools, and operator HMI

Ensure compliance with airworthiness, operational, and cybersecurity requirements for GCS platforms

Oversee system interoperability and validation across integrated UAV systems

Interface with end‑users, defense stakeholders, and regulators to ensure mission alignment

Manage subcontractor performance, vendor deliverables, and system integration partners

Provide regular project briefings, risk reports, and delivery updates to senior leadership

Compliance, Documentation & Handover

Ensure adherence to international and defense engineering standards (e.g., ISO 15288‑178C, NIST, MIL‑STDs)

Lead documentation efforts including test matrices, certification artifacts, training guides, and support plans

Oversee seamless handover to test, operations, and sustainment phases

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)

Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Project Management, or Avionics Systems (PREFERRED)

Experience

8+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with 3–5 years in project/program management roles

Hands‑on experience in Ground Control Systems, UAV support tools, or secure C2 system development

Proven track record managing multi‑stakeholder defense engineering projects from concept to deployment

Technical Tools

Deep understanding of GCS architecture, HMI design, RF/datalink systems, and real‑time software platforms

Knowledge of defense‑grade standards: DO‑178C, DO‑326A, MIL‑STD‑810, NIST

Experience with project management tools: MS Project, Primavera, Jira

Proficiency with system engineering tools: DOORS, Polarion, SysML/UML

Familiarity with Agile, V‑Model, or Hybrid project lifecycles in regulated environments

Ideal Attributes

Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills across technical and executive levels

Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate risks and drive proactive mitigation

High adaptability and attention to detail in complex, high‑stakes development cycles

Mission‑driven, with a collaborative and results‑oriented mindset

Ability to bridge system design, operations, and compliance across the defense tech ecosystem

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.