Senior Design Engineer (Composites)

Edge Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Edge Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Production Engineer specializing in composites to lead design-for-manufacture practices and optimize production processes across aerospace/defense projects. You will review methods, implement changes on the shop floor, and drive material selection and process improvements.

The role requires 8+ years in production engineering with composites, DFMA expertise, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience with composites manufacturing in aerospace/defense
• Strong understanding of DFMA and manufacturing processes
• Proven leadership and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead design for manufacture practices and critique new designs to determine suitable manufacturing processes
• Review comparison studies of different methods of manufacture/materials and present conclusions to leadership
• Create and implement engineering changes or work instructions on the shop floor and monitor compliance
• Drive technical selection of materials and manufacturing processes
• Design alternative processes to solve issues and improve quality, efficiency and performance
• Monitor production output and analyze efficiencies; perform root cause analysis when needed
• Participate in technical design reviews and provide feedback for producibility
• Monitor life cycles and material usage to identify excess and inefficiency and drive changes
• Examine finished products to ensure they meet quality specifications
• Apply 3D design experience to redesign parts or create assemblies from concept to production drawings
• Stay ahead of industry practices and test new production methods or materials
• Assist in integration and testing of composites with electrical/hydraulic components

Skills

Composite design

DFMA

Leadership

SAP ERP

Materials science

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in mechanical/composites

Tools

SAP

Job description

ADVANCED CONCEPTS is an entity within EDGE dedicated to the design and deployment of advanced, innovative technologies. ADVANCED CONCEPTS is fast-tracking the development of high-technology autonomous systems, including three Medium Endurance, High Altitude, fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems, a family of precision loitering munitions, a cost-effective family of cruise missiles, and a range of guided artillery munitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design for manufacture practices and critique new designs to determine the most suitable manufacturing processes
• Review comparison studies of different methods of manufacture/materials and present clear conclusions to project leadership.
• Create and implement engineering changes or work instructions on the shop floor and monitor to ensure full compliance at all stages throughout the production process
• Drive technical selection of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Design alternative processes to solve existing issues and increase quality/efficiency/mechanical performance/cost competitiveness
• Closely follow production output on a project-by-project basis and note production efficiencies and issues. Where applicable perform root cause analysis to characterize problems and find permanent solutions
• Participate in technical design reviews and evaluate concepts for manufacturability. Provide technical feedback and input into designs that are released for production and follow up by creating reports for process changes or production improvement.
• Monitor project life cycles and material usage to characterize production efficiency by multiple metrics. Identify areas of excess material usage or low productivity and create actionable plans to drive change.
• Examine and evaluate finished products, to ensure they meet quality standards and conform to the required specifications of tolerance and mechanical performance.
• Apply strong 3D design experience to redesign parts or create clean slate designs of complete assemblies from concept level through to production drawings including full BOMs
• Stay ahead of industry best practices and emerging technologies. Apply a strong desire to learn and willingness to test new methods of production or materials.
• Assist in integration and testing of composite assemblies and systems with electrical or hydraulic components, as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years as Production Engineering position specializing in composites, or equivalent roles
• Preferred 10+ years as Production Engineer, qualification/certificates in DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) and experience in UAE or Middle East is desirable
• Bachelor’s or Masters, in engineering specializing in mechanical/composites/material science or other related fields,
• Certification in Six Sigma, lean manufacturing or technical process proficiency is preferable
• Experience in composites manufacturing of aerospace, defense, or precision engineering products
• Deep understanding of composite materials, chemistry and resins for various manufacturing processes
• Excellent communications skills and leadership
• Experience using SAP or other ERP software systems