Senior Specialist - Unmanned Systems

BEACON RED; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

EDGE is seeking a Senior Specialist – Unmanned Systems to drive the design, testing, integration, and operation of unmanned platforms including UAS, UGV, USV, and UUV. This role will oversee FAT/SAT, payload integration, and end-user documentation while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Based in Abu Dhabi, you will lead qualification testing, support system architecture, and deliver training to operators and maintainers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Avionics Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in unmanned systems testing, integration, operations, or engineering.
• Experience with the design and architecture of UAS, UGV, USV, and/or UUV platforms.
• Strong knowledge of payload integration, sensor systems, and mission equipment.
• Proven experience in FAT, SAT, verification, validation, and operational acceptance testing.
• Certified and experienced unmanned systems pilot/operator.
• Knowledge of airframe certifications and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent technical documentation, reporting, and training delivery skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and assess operational requirements for unmanned systems and mission-specific payloads.
• Evaluate, develop, and execute test plans for unmanned platforms and integrated payloads.
• Lead sensor integration testing, validation, and performance assessments.
• Plan, conduct, and oversee operational trials and demonstrations.
• Support system design, architecture, and technical evaluations for UAS, UGV, USV, and UUV platforms.
• Conduct and lead FAT and SAT.
• Develop end-user documentation, operating procedures, manuals, and training materials.
• Deliver operator and maintainer training programs.
• Ensure compliance with airframe certifications, operational standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical recommendations for system enhancements and capability development.

Skills

Unmanned testing

Sensor integration

Documentation

FAT/SAT testing

UAS knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Avionics/Mechatronics

Job description

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

About EDGE

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

The Senior Specialist – Unmanned Systems will support the design, testing, integration, and operation of unmanned platforms, including UAS, UGV, USV, and UUV systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and assess operational requirements for unmanned systems and mission-specific payloads.
• Evaluate, develop, and execute test plans for unmanned platforms and integrated payloads.
• Lead sensor integration testing, validation, and performance assessments.
• Plan, conduct, and oversee operational trials and demonstrations.
• Support system design, architecture, and technical evaluations for UAS, UGV, USV, and UUV platforms.
• Conduct and lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Develop end-user documentation, operating procedures, manuals, and training materials.
• Deliver operator and maintainer training programs.
• Ensure compliance with airframe certifications, operational standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical recommendations for system enhancements and capability development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Avionics Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in unmanned systems testing, integration, operations, or engineering.
• Experience with the design and architecture of UAS, UGV, USV, and/or UUV platforms.
• Strong knowledge of payload integration, sensor systems, and mission equipment.
• Proven experience in FAT, SAT, verification, validation, and operational acceptance testing.
• Certified and experienced unmanned systems pilot/operator.
• Knowledge of airframe certifications and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent technical documentation, reporting, and training delivery skills.

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

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 on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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.

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.