R&D UAV Mechanical Technician – Prototyping & Testing

AirQ; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 167,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

AirQ in Abu Dhabi is seeking an R&D Technician – Mechanical to build, test and maintain UAV mechanical systems from airframes to propulsion and launch equipment. You will work hands‑on with mechanical engineers from prototype to flight test, ensuring assemblies meet drawings, BOMs and quality standards.

Key duties include bonding, mechanical assembly, structural testing, weight/CG management and preparing work instructions.

Qualifications

• Diploma, associate degree or technical certificate in mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechatronics or aircraft maintenance.
• Minimum 3 years hands‑on experience in mechanical assembly, composite work or aircraft maintenance.
• An aircraft maintenance licence or military aircraft maintenance experience is an advantage.
• Experience in training other people or writing work instructions is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assemble airframes and structures from drawings and BOMs: fuselages, wings, tails, landing gear, payload bays and hatches.
• Bond parts with structural adhesives: prepare surfaces, mix and apply adhesive, control bond lines, clamp and cure as specified.
• Do composite work on carbon and glass fiber parts: wet lay-up, vacuum bagging, trimming, sanding, filling, insert potting and repairs.
• Install fasteners and hardware: torque to specification, apply thread locker and torque marks, install inserts, rivets and thread repair inserts.
• Install and adjust mechanisms: control surfaces and linkages, servos, hinges, folding and release mechanisms, doors and latches.
• Install propulsion parts: electric motors, engines, propellers, mounts, fuel tanks, fuel lines and cooling parts.
• Assemble and align ground equipment: launcher rails, carriages, brakes and frames, transport cases and ground support equipment.
• Make simple parts, jigs and fixtures: drill, tap, cut, file, basic lathe and milling work, and 3D printing.

Skills

Engineering drawings reading

Quality assurance

Team collaboration

English communication

Weight and balance knowledge

Education

Diploma/associate/technical certificate in mechanical/aeronautical/mechatronics/aircraft maintenance

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

3D printing

Vacuum bagging

Autoclave/oven cure

Job description

AirQ in Abu Dhabi is seeking an R&D Technician – Mechanical to build, test and maintain UAV mechanical systems from airframes to propulsion and launch equipment. You will work hands‑on with mechanical engineers from prototype to flight test, ensuring assemblies meet drawings, BOMs and quality standards.

Key duties include bonding, mechanical assembly, structural testing, weight/CG management and preparing work instructions.