System Engineer - Ground Control Systems

Edge Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and aerospace company in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Systems Engineer specialized in Ground Control Systems. The role involves designing, developing, and testing advanced control systems for UAV operations, requiring extensive experience in aerospace systems engineering. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience and a strong foundation in cybersecurity standards. Join a collaborative environment focused on innovation and national security.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in aerospace/defense, 10 years in GCS or similar.
• Experience in UAV ground station design and testing.
• Familiarity with military C2 protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage system-level requirements for GCS.
• Define system architecture and Interface Control Documents.
• Collaborate with avionics and software teams.
• Design and integrate mission planning tools and user interfaces.
• Conduct simulation and system-level testing.

Skills

Systems engineering

Real-time software

Hardware integration

Secure communications

Cybersecurity standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Software, or Computer Engineering

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Aerospace Systems

Tools

DOORS

Real-time operating systems

GCS-specific frameworks

TCP/IP

MIL-STD interfaces

Job description

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System Engineer - Ground Control Systems

Company: EDGE Group PJSC

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 Role

We are seeking an accomplished Systems Engineer – Ground Control Systems to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced ground control stations (GCS) that support ADASI’s UAV operations. This role is instrumental in delivering robust, secure, and mission-ready command-and-control systems that interface seamlessly with UAV platforms. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in aerospace-grade systems engineering, real-time software, hardware integration, and secure communications, with a strong understanding of interoperability and cybersecurity standards.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage system-level requirements for GCS hardware, software, networking, and interfaces

Define system architecture and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure end-to-end UAV integration

Collaborate across avionics, software, comms, and cyber teams to ensure functional traceability

Design and integrate mission planning tools, real-time data handling, displays, and user interface components

Oversee GCS hardware integration including workstations, antennas, and communication modules

Conduct simulation, HIL, and system-level testing to validate command and telemetry performance

Ensure compliance with aerospace, cybersecurity, and regulatory standards (e.g., NIST, MIL-STD)

Drive documentation for certification, audits, and operational deployment

Liaise with vendors and partners to assess technologies and manage upgrades

Provide technical support and knowledge transfer to internal ops and integration teams

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Software, or Computer Engineering (required)

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Aerospace Systems (preferred)

Experience:

15+ years in aerospace/defense with at least 10 years in GCS, C2, or similar mission-critical systems

Experience in UAV ground station design, integration, and testing

Familiarity with military C2 protocols and encryption/security frameworks

Technical Tools

Systems engineering tools: DOORS or equivalent for requirements and traceability

Software & middleware: Real-time operating systems, GCS-specific frameworks

Communication protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, Link-16, SATCOM, CAN, or MIL-STD interfaces

Cybersecurity: NIST 800-53, IEC 62443, or equivalent defense security protocols

Ideal Attributes

Critical thinker with strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capability

Excellent communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Collaborative and adaptable within fast-paced, mission-driven environments

Strong attention to detail, quality, and compliance

Proactive leadership mindset with the ability to work across teams and functions

Why Join ADASI

At ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.