Principal Engineer - DA Mech: Airframe (Structures)

External Job Description

Position : Principal Engineer - DA Mechanical, Airframe (Structures)

Entity :  ADASI

Department : Engineering

Location : Abu Dhabi 

Key Responsibilities :

•Serve as the design authority for all airframe structural components, ensuring compliance with airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA, MIL-STD, or equivalent).
•Lead the structural design, analysis, and validation of UAV airframes, from conceptual layouts to detailed engineering drawings.
•Oversee material selection (composites, alloys, advanced lightweight materials) to optimize performance, weight, and durability.
•Approve and sign off on engineering change requests and design documentation.
•Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—avionics, propulsion, systems engineering—to ensure seamless integration of structural designs.
•Guide finite element analysis (FEA) and structural simulations to validate load cases, fatigue life, and crashworthiness.
•Support manufacturing engineering in translating designs into production-ready solutions, including tooling and assembly processes.
•Lead design reviews and act as the primary technical interface with certification authorities and customers.
•Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design methodology, CAD standards, and engineering best practices.

Educational background :

•Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
•Minimum 8+ years in aerospace structural design, with at least 3 years in a design authority or lead engineering role

Technical Skills:    

•Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools.
•Strong background in FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus).
•Deep understanding of composite and metallic structures in aerospace applications.
•Knowledge of airworthiness standards (EASA CS-23/25, MIL-STD, or equivalent).
•Ability to make high-impact design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability.
•Strong leadership in cross-functional environments.
•Excellent communication skills for technical and executive-level discussions.

Preferred Certifications-

•Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) status.
•Certification in Aircraft Structural Design or Airworthiness Engineering.
•Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus

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