Senior Principal Engineer , Guidance & Control (Grade 6)

Al Tariq; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Tariq in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior Principal Engineer for Guidance & Control to lead development of flight control software for smart weapon systems across concept to production support. You will design high‑performance GNC algorithms, 6‑DOF modelling, and HILS integration while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

Expect a highly technical role requiring strong C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink skills, with involvement in verification, validation, and data‑driven performance reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (Software/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science) or equivalent.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and maintenance of Guidance & Control algorithms for smart weapon systems.
• Design and optimise autopilot and mission control software to meet performance requirements.
• Develop and maintain LAR and MPS algorithms.
• Own and enhance 6-DOF simulation models and support HILS activities.
• Validate and maintain aerodynamic models using flight test data.
• Analyse system requirements and translate them into software solutions.
• Design software architectures and develop code using C, C++, MATLAB, and Simulink.
• Perform software verification and validation to meet programme requirements.
• Ensure compliance with DO-178 and MIL-STD frameworks.
• Conduct flight, lab, and ground testing with data analysis and reporting.
• Manage software configuration, traceability, documentation, and change control.

Skills

Guidance systems

Flight control systems

Kalman filtering

Modelling & simulation

C/C++

MATLAB

Simulink

6-DOF modelling

HILS environments

Aerodynamic modelling

Flight-test data analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Software/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering or CS

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

C/C++

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

About The Role

Shape the future of precision-guided systems. At Al Tariq we are seeking an experienced Senior Principal Engineer - Guidance & Control to lead the development and implementation of advanced flight control software for next-generation smart weapon systems. This is a highly technical role offering the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, from concept development and modelling through to flight testing, validation, and production support.

As a subject matter expert in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), you will play a critical role in designing and delivering high-performance control systems that meet stringent operational, safety, and military requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of Guidance & Control algorithms for smart weapon systems.
• Design and optimise autopilot and mission control software to meet performance requirements.
• Develop and maintain Launch Acceptable Region (LAR) and Mission Planning System (MPS) algorithms.
• Own and enhance 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DOF) simulation models and support Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) activities.
• Validate and maintain aerodynamic models using flight test data.
• Analyse system requirements and translate them into effective software solutions.
• Design software architectures and develop code using C, C++, MATLAB, and Simulink.
• Execute software verification and validation activities to ensure compliance with programme requirements.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defence software standards, including DO-178 and MIL-STD frameworks.
• Conduct flight, laboratory, and ground testing, including data analysis and performance reporting.
• Manage software configuration, traceability, technical documentation, and change control processes.
• Support production, fault investigations, and multidisciplinary engineering teams in resolving technical challenges.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering /Electronic Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Computer Science Or an equivalent technical discipline
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• 10-15 years of experience within the smart weapons, guided munitions, missile, aerospace, or defence industry.
• Extensive experience in:
• Guidance systems
• Flight control systems
• Kalman filtering
• Modelling and simulation
• Strong software development capability using C / C++ / MATLAB / Simulink
• Experience with 6-DOF modelling , HILS environments , Aerodynamic modelling & Flight-test data analysis
• Working knowledge of military and commercial aerospace standards.

Why choose EDGE

Working at EDGE 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 dependants, and education allowances for your children.

But the real investment goes further than compensation. Through our own learning academy and digital learning platform, there are extensive opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Add to that the freedom to innovate, strong career guidance, and the chance to work alongside world-class talent from across the globe, and EDGE becomes a place where you can keep growing, keep learning, and keep turning bold ideas into something real.

Candidate Privacy & Equal Opportunity Statement

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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.