Senior Principal Engineer - Platform

FADA; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

FADA seeks a highly experienced Satellite Platform Engineer to lead the design, integration, and validation of satellite bus systems for advanced space missions in the UAE. You will coordinate across propulsion, power, thermal, avionics, and structural teams to ensure platform-level compatibility and mission success.

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will drive system-level analyses, oversee ICDs and budgets, and guide design reviews while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to R&D

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools and programming languages.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end system engineering activities for satellite platforms, including requirements definition, architecture design, subsystem integration, and performance analysis.
• Oversee coordination across propulsion, power, thermal, avionics, and structural subsystems to ensure platform-level compatibility.
• Manage ICDs, system budgets (mass, power, data), and verification plans per mission objectives.
• Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Collaborate with payload engineers, mission planners, and ground segment specialists for seamless integration.
• Support launch operations, anomaly resolution, and post-launch evaluations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace/Systems Engineering

Tools

Software tools & programming languages

Job description

External Job Description

FADA is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Satellite Platform Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, the candidate will be responsible for leading the design, integration, and validation of satellite bus systems for advanced space missions. He will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure the successful development of the satellites.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing high-performance platform accommodating advanced payloads for satellite systems, localising technologies and knowhow, and managing project timelines, budgets, resources, and risk, and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

The Satellite Platform Engineer will report to the VP of Engineering and Capability Development and will work closely with the System Engineer and the Payload Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end system engineering activities for satellite platforms, including requirements definition, architecture design, subsystem integration, and performance analysis.
• Oversee technical coordination across propulsion, power, thermal, avionics, and structural subsystems to ensure platform-level compatibility and mission success.
• Manage interface control documents (ICDs), system budgets (mass, power, data), and verification plans in alignment with mission objectives and customer requirements.
• Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) to support decision-making and ensure compliance with space standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including payload engineers, mission planners, and ground segment specialists to ensure seamless system integration.
• Work closely with subject matter experts for payloads to ensure platform design supports payload requirements and operational constraints.
• Support launch and early orbit operations (LEOP), anomaly resolution, and post-launch performance evaluations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and tools.
• Support business development activities by providing technical expertise during customer engagements and strategic planning.
• Contribute to technical proposals, including system architecture descriptions, compliance matrices, and cost estimates.
• Contribute to and support R&D activities related to satellite platform technologies, including advanced materials, subsystem innovations, and new mission concepts.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in satellite system engineering, preferably with flight-proven platforms.
• Proven track record of leading successful satellite projects from concept to deployment.
• Extensive experience with satellite design, integration, and testing.
• Strong background in systems engineering principles and practices.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements for satellite systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools and programming languages.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.