Research Engineer, Aerospace Engineering

KHALIFA UNIVERSITY; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-ranked university in the UAE is seeking a Research Engineer focused on satellite propulsion systems. The role encompasses engineering support across satellite lifecycle stages, from development through integration and testing. Candidates should have experience with tools like Excel, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks. This position also involves supervising graduate students and requires a deep understanding of space technologies, making a substantial impact on spacecraft missions.

Qualifications

• Support the design and implementation of propulsion spacecraft subsystems.
• Participate in spacecraft integration and testing of modules.
• Understand cutting-edge space technologies.
• Engage in space segment procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering assistance across the satellite lifecycle.
• Develop, test, and integrate spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Supervise graduate students in developing satellite subsystems.

Skills

Engineering assistance

Excel

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Organisation/Company: KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
Research Field: Computer Science Engineering Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: United Arab Emirates
Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)
Type of Contract: Other
Job Status: Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Position Code: ABCD1234
Position Type: Project Based (Fixed Term)
Position Duration: 01/02/2024 to 31/12/2025
Position Title: Research Engineer
Project Title: Development of a 6U CubeSat Technology Demonstrator
Project Supervisor: Djamal Darfilal
Academic Department: Aerospace Engineering
Relevant Research Center: Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Centre
Technical Keywords: Spacecraft propulsion, space systems engineering, development, testing.

Khalifa University is ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and the top University in the UAE, with a range of research and academic programs designed to address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing our rapidly evolving world.

Its world‑class faculty and state‑of‑the‑art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. Our research and academic activities cover a broad range of disciplines in engineering, science and medicine through our three colleges.

Khalifa University’s research relates to key focus sectors of relevance to the UAE’s strategic economic growth and the technology platforms that serve as foundations for these sectors. The University’s research priorities are addressed in two categories — “verticals” and “horizontals” — which jointly cover specific industry and sector needs, technical platforms and expertise.

KU’s focus sectors are Clean and Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, Water and Environment, Healthcare, Aerospace, and Supply Chain and Logistics. Research in these sectors is enhanced by our research platforms of Robotics, AI and Data Science, Information and Communication Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing as well as Fundamental Sciences.

Position Overview

Yahsat Space Lab (YSL) at KU is looking for motivated candidates to join our team for the exciting opportunity in the role of propulsion Research Engineer. This position role encompasses providing engineering assistance across the entire satellite lifecycle: from initial satellite acquisition to launch, orbit ascent operations, and on‑orbit functions. With more focus on the development, test and integration of spacecraft propulsion systems. This entails utilizing Excel, MATLAB, or Python to create coding solutions, boosting spacecraft performance monitoring and analytics tools and using SolidWorks or other for CAD modelling. Additionally, it involves cultivating a diverse technical skill set to make a substantial impact on the success of every spacecraft mission.

The research engineer will also supervise, together with the project team, graduate students to gain hands‑on experience in developing satellites subsystems. The current lab team is composed of several systems engineers and experts working mainly on Satellites Subsystems development.

Position Requirements

• Support the design and implementation of propulsion spacecraft subsystems in terms of definition of requirements, design and verification.
• Participate in the spacecraft integration and the testing of different spacecraft’s modules, including the preparation of the bill of material, integration procedures for all active subsystems in collaboration with the system engineer.
• Thorough understanding of cutting‑edge space technologies relevant to the advancement of satellite system development.
• Space Segment procurement activities focusing on spacecraft subsystems including the required test equipment.

If you need further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).