Principal Systems Engineer - Test Equipment Development

About This Role

Job Title: Test Equipment Development Systems Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: ADASI HQ, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reporting To : Lead Systems Engineer / Test & Validation Manager Entity: ADASI (A subsidiary of EDGE Group)

Job Purpose: The Test Equipment Development Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and maintenance of custom and commercial test equipment used to verify the functionality and performance of UAV systems and subsystems. This includes automated test equipment (ATE), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups, diagnostic tools, and test harnesses across various disciplines (avionics, propulsion, communications, and electrical systems). The role ensures efficient, safe, and repeatable testing processes, critical to platform reliability and certification.

Key Responsibilities Design & Development of Test Equipment

• Design and develop custom test equipment (hardware and software) for the validation of avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
• Define technical requirements for Automated Test Equipment (ATE), simulation rigs, and integration benches for UAV platforms.
• Specify and develop test interface hardware, signal conditioning, harnesses, and instrumentation setups for lab and field use.

System Integration & Automation

• Develop test automation scripts and software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) to execute, control, and log test sequences.
• Integrate test equipment with telemetry, data acquisition systems, and HIL environments to support real-time and non-real-time simulations.
• Ensure test equipment interfaces comply with MIL-STD, ARINC, CAN, and Ethernet protocols as relevant.

Validation, Calibration & Maintenance

• Support initial validation and verification (V&V) of test equipment to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
• Develop calibration plans, preventive maintenance procedures, and failure root cause analysis for test tools. Maintain version control and configuration of hardware and software components used in test setups.

Support for System and Subsystem Testing

• Provide engineering support during component, subsystem, and platform-level testing, including environmental, functional, and endurance tests.
• Collaborate with integration and test teams to ensure test coverage and traceability to system requirements.
• Document test equipment, design, user manual maintenance plan/ procedure, usage procedures, user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and compliance evidence.

Qualifications & Experience Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Test Systems Engineering, Automation, or related field (PREFERRED)
• Have knowledge of design and verification for
• Avionics
• Hardware/Software design
• Mechanical /fluidic system/hydraulic systems
• Familiarity with design safety-critical systems testing
• Experience in hardware/software integration verification
• Experience in preparing test planning.
• Experience in preparation of test procedures as well as test reports as design evidences
• Experienced in requirement management

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in the design and deployment of aerospace or defense test equipment, preferably within the UAV domain.
• Proven experience in developing test benches, ATE, or HIL systems for aerospace, automotive, or defense-grade applications.
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems testing, hardware-software interface validation, and test compliance requirements.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with test software development using LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ or similar environments.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensors, and instrumentation calibration. Strong understanding of aerospace communication protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN Bus, Ethernet).
• Knowledge of systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, or similar) and requirement traceability.
• Familiar with electrical schematics, PCB-level debugging, and signal conditioning.
• Exposure to real-time systems, flight control hardware, and power management systems is advantageous.
• Familiar with mechanical/hydraulic/fluidic system design
• Familiar with electronics hardware design

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and systems-thinking abilities.
• Effective technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail, safety, and quality control.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking capability in a high-paced development environment.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) or equivalent – Preferred
• INCOSE ASEP/CSEP – Advantageous
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) – Advantageous
• AS9100D or ISO 9001 Quality System Awareness – Preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willing to travel for testing, supplier visits, training, and field support as required
• Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Willingness to relocate to the UAE

#ADASI