Senior Defense Program Manager – Autonomous Systems

Harmattan AI; Dubai; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead end-to-end delivery of defence projects. You will coordinate with teams in France and manage a local UAE team, serving as the primary customer contact through execution.

The role combines strategic vision with hands-on PMO setup in a demanding, high-impact environment. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in defence/aerospace PM, direct MoD exposure, and engineering credentials.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in defence/aerospace PM with a €20M+ export contract in the Middle East.
• Direct MoD-level customer exposure; offset, local content and dual-use licensing.
• Autonomous, structured, calm under pressure; capable of building a PMO.
• Engineering degree in aerospace/EE/systems/mechatronics; PMP a plus; Arabic & English mandatory; willing to travel in ME.
• Strong knowledge of defense acquisition, milestones, and compliance documents.
• Able to manage programs in cutting-edge environments.
• Proficient in managing a complete business plan.
• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation.
• Strong communication and leadership to motivate teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Defence aerospace PM experience

Bilingual Arabic English

Leadership & communication

Detailed documentation

Travel across Middle East

Calm under pressure

Education

Engineering degree (aerospace/EE/systems/mechatronics)

PMP certification (preferred)

Job description

Harmattan AI seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead end-to-end delivery of defence projects. You will coordinate with teams in France and manage a local UAE team, serving as the primary customer contact through execution.

The role combines strategic vision with hands-on PMO setup in a demanding, high-impact environment. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in defence/aerospace PM, direct MoD exposure, and engineering credentials.