Project Manager - GCS

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 a Project Manager – Ground Control Systems (GCS) to lead the full lifecycle of GCS development and integration across ADASI’s UAV programs. This role is responsible for delivering secure, mission-ready GCS solutions that include hardware interfaces, real-time software, communication systems, and ground support tools. The position requires a balance of technical depth, project governance, and cross-functional leadership to ensure that GCS platforms meet operational, safety, and security requirements while aligning with delivery timelines and defense-grade standards.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Define project scope, deliverables, and success criteria for Ground Control System programs

• Lead all phases of the project lifecycle, from concept and design to deployment and support

• Develop and maintain project plans, resource schedules, risk registers, and progress metrics

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams spanning software, systems, avionics, communications, and cybersecurity

• Act as the focal point between engineering, QA, procurement, manufacturing, and external stakeholders

• Drive design reviews and milestone gates (SRR, PDR, CDR) to maintain alignment across all stakeholders

Technical Oversight

• Guide development of C2 interfaces, SATCOM/LOS datalink integration, mission planning tools, and operator HMI

• Ensure compliance with airworthiness, operational, and cybersecurity requirements for GCS platforms

• Oversee system interoperability and validation across integrated UAV systems

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Interface with end-users, defense stakeholders, and regulators to ensure mission alignment

• Manage subcontractor performance, vendor deliverables, and system integration partners

• Provide regular project briefings, risk reports, and delivery updates to senior leadership

Compliance, Documentation & Handover

• Ensure adherence to international and defense engineering standards (e.g., ISO 15288, DO-178C, NIST, MIL-STDs)

• Lead documentation efforts including test matrices, certification artifacts, training guides, and support plans

• Oversee seamless handover to test, operations, and sustainment phases

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)

• Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Project Management, or Avionics Systems (PREFERRED)

Experience

• 8+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with 3–5 years in project/program management roles

• Hands-on experience in Ground Control Systems, UAV support tools, or secure C2 system development

• Proven track record managing multi-stakeholder defense engineering projects from concept to deployment

Technical Tools

• Deep understanding of GCS architecture, HMI design, RF/datalink systems, and real-time software platforms

• Knowledge of defense-grade standards: DO-178C, DO-326A, MIL-STD-810, NIST

• Experience with project management tools: MS Project, Primavera, Jira

• Proficiency with system engineering tools: DOORS, Polarion, SysML/UML

• Familiarity with Agile, V-Model, or Hybrid project lifecycles in regulated environments

Ideal Attributes

• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills across technical and executive levels

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate risks and drive proactive mitigation

• High adaptability and attention to detail in complex, high-stakes development cycles

• Mission-driven, with a collaborative and results-oriented mindset

• Ability to bridge system design, operations, and compliance across the defense tech ecosystem

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.

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