Senior Engineer - Propulsion System

AL TARIQ; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

EDGE, headquartered in the UAE, is seeking a Senior Engineer Propulsion for its ADASI autonomous systems unit in Abu Dhabi. You will manage propulsion design, selection, integration, and optimization for UAV platforms, working with engine manufacturers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance propulsion solutions.

The role requires a strong background in propulsion, airframe interfaces, and engine testing, with 8+ years in missile/platform systems and project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive work experience in Propulsion, with a focus on Missile / Platform systems and project management.
• Experience in selecting, analyzing, and integrating propulsion systems, including engines, propellers, fuel systems, intakes, exhausts, cooling, and mounts.

Responsibilities

• Develop propulsion performance models, including thrust, power, fuel consumption, altitude, and endurance estimates.
• Lead propulsion system design, selection, integration, and optimization for UAV platforms.
• Define engine, propeller, fuel system, intake, exhaust, cooling, and mounting requirements based on platform performance needs.
• Develop and maintain propulsion performance models, including thrust, power, fuel consumption, altitude, and endurance estimates
• Plan and oversee engine testing, including bench tests, ground runs, environmental testing, and qualification activities.
• Analyze test and flight data, investigate performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assess propulsion system risks, including reliability, safety, vibration, thermal management, fuel delivery, and structural loads.
• Coordinate propulsion integration with airframe, structures, electrical, flight controls, and systems engineering teams.
• Manage technical relationships with engine manufacturers and suppliers, including specifications, technical reviews, and issue resolution
• Prepare and review technical documents such as requirements, interface control documents, test procedures, reports, and maintenance instructions.
• Support prototype builds, ground testing, flight trials, troubleshooting, and transition to production.
• Ensure propulsion designs and test activities comply with applicable company processes, safety requirements, and customer requirements.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Engine testing

System integration

Project management

Airframe experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Job description

Job Description:

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

About ADASI

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 Senior Engineer Propulsion will be responsible for managing propulsion system design, selection, integration, and optimization for UAV platforms

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain propulsion performance models, including thrust, power, fuel consumption, altitude, and endurance estimates
• Lead propulsion system design, selection, integration, and optimization for UAV platforms.
• Define engine, propeller, fuel system, intake, exhaust, cooling, and mounting requirements based on platform performance needs.
• Develop and maintain propulsion performance models, including thrust, power, fuel consumption, altitude, and endurance estimates
• Plan and oversee engine testing, including bench tests, ground runs, environmental testing, and qualification activities.
• Analyze test and flight data, investigate performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assess propulsion system risks, including reliability, safety, vibration, thermal management, fuel delivery, and structural loads.
• Coordinate propulsion integration with airframe, structures, electrical, flight controls, and systems engineering teams.
• Manage technical relationships with engine manufacturers and suppliers, including specifications, technical reviews, and issue resolution
• Prepare and review technical documents such as requirements, interface control documents, test procedures, reports, and maintenance instructions.
• Support prototype builds, ground testing, flight trials, troubleshooting, and transition to production.
• Ensure propulsion designs and test activities comply with applicable company processes, safety requirements, and customer requirements.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive work experience in Propulsion, with a focus on Missile / Platform systems and project management.
• Demonstrated experience with airframe systems.
• Experience in selecting, analyzing, and integrating propulsion systems, including engines, propellers, fuel systems, intakes, exhausts, cooling, and mounts.
• Practical experience planning or overseeing engine tests, ground runs, qualification activities, and analysis of test or flight data.
• Proven ability to resolve complex propulsion performance, reliability, vibration, thermal, and fuel-delivery issues.
• Experience coordinating propulsion interfaces with multidisciplinary engineering teams and working directly with engine manufacturers or suppliers.
• Experience providing technical guidance to engineers and supporting propulsion activities across multiple projects or platforms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Leading cross-functional design efforts involving propulsion, thermal, and structural subsystems.
• Manages timelines, technical risk, and interface control.
• Develops continuous improvement initiatives in testing, modelling, or integration.
• Drives simplification and design reuse.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAEs EDGE is one of the worlds leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.

Requirements: