Principal Systems Engineer - Aerodynamics

Department

Entity

Job Purpose

Aerodynamic Analysis & Design

• Perform aerodynamic modeling and analysis of airframes, control surfaces, intakes, exhausts, and payload fairings using both analytical and computational methods (including CFD).
• Lead the generation and validation of aerodynamic databases for use in flight simulation, stability & control, and autopilot design.
• Develop and refine airframe geometry to optimize lift, drag, stability, control authority, and aerodynamic efficiency across different flight regimes.

Systems Engineering & Integration

• Translate aerodynamic performance requirements into system-level specifications and subsystem interfaces (e.g., propulsion, control, structures).
• Support trade studies related to aerodynamic shaping, flight envelope definition, stability margins, and control system architecture.
• Collaborate with structural, propulsion, flight controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure balanced design integration.

Simulation, Testing & Validation

• Execute CFD simulations, wind tunnel correlation, and performance predictions to validate aerodynamic models.
• Support the definition and execution of wind tunnel tests, flight tests, and aerodynamic load validation.
• Analyze test results and refine models to improve fidelity and platform performance predictions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Generate documentation including aerodynamic analysis reports, system-level performance documentation, and airworthiness compliance reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards such as CS-UAS, MIL-STD-1797, and internal EDGE/ADASI design standards.
• Contribute to certification documentation, including flight test reports on e.g. stability & control, performance and flying qualities .

Collaboration & Technical Support

• Provide aerodynamic input during program reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and Formal Qualification Reviews.
• Interface with internal design teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies as needed.
• Support design activities for manufacturability and maintainability from an aerodynamic perspective.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with emphasis in Aerodynamics (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, or Computational Fluid Dynamics (PREFERRED)

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in aerodynamics within aerospace, UAV, or defense programs.
• Experience in aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, and airframe development in UAVs, aircraft, or guided missile systems.
• Exposure to aero-elasticity, static & dynamic stability, and aerodynamic loads is prerequisite.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in:
• + CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or similar)
• + CAD and geometry preparation tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)
• + Flight performance and stability analysis tools (MATLAB/Simulink, AVL, XFOIL, Athena Vortex Lattice, or in-house codes)
• Demonstrated understanding of:
• + Subsonic and transonic flow behavior
• + Control surface sizing, effectiveness, and dynamic behavior
• + Wind tunnel testing techniques and instrumentation
• Familiar with airworthiness and flight performance standards relevant to UAVs and defense systems

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication abilities
• Capable of working across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Detail-oriented, with focus on safety, reliability, and performance optimization
• Strategic thinker with awareness of mission-level design trade-offs

Preferred Certifications

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP – Advantageous
• Certification in CFD or aerodynamic analysis from OEM or accredited provider – Preferred
• AS9100D Quality Awareness – Preferred

Additional Requirements

• Eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willingness to travel for wind tunnel tests, flight test campaigns, and supplier engagements
• Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Willingness to relocate to the UAE
• #ADASI