R and D Technician – Avionics

Role overview

Prototype build and integration

• Build wiring harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and pin-out tables; install avionics in airframes and ground systems.
• Assemble and wire ground control stations, antenna and tracker setups, launcher equipment, test benches, and test rigs.
• Route and secure cables against vibration, heat, chafing, and electrical noise; apply shielding and grounding.
• Perform through-hole and surface-mount soldering and PCB rework as directed.

Testing and field support

• Perform and record continuity, insulation, and power-up tests.
• Load firmware and parameters; configure and calibrate sensors, actuators, ESCs, servos, and radio links.
• Operate bench and hardware-in-the-loop tests and measure voltage, current, and signals.
• Diagnose component-level electrical faults and report root causes.
• Support ground and flight tests, including pre-flight checks, radio range checks, battery preparation, log downloads, and post-flight checks.

Maintenance and production handover

• Maintain prototypes and ground equipment through scheduled checks, repairs, and modifications; maintain accurate configuration and defect records.
• Safely charge, store, cycle, inspect, and discard LiPo and Li-ion batteries; maintain battery logs and monitor parts stocks.
• Build pilot production units and identify design features that complicate assembly or testing.
• Write and validate photo-based work instructions; prepare harness boards, fixtures, checklists, and acceptance test procedures.
• Train and assess production staff; support technical issues and non-conformance investigations.

Workshop, safety, and quality

• Keep the workshop clean, safe, and organized using 5S practices.
• Follow safety requirements for ESD, batteries, high current, radio transmitters, solvents, and soldering fumes; use appropriate PPE.
• Follow quality procedures, record inspection and test results, and keep tools and test equipment calibrated.

Qualifications and experience

• Diploma, associate degree, or technical certificate in electronics, electrical engineering, avionics, mechatronics, or aircraft maintenance.
• At least 3 years of hands-on electronics or avionics assembly, integration, or maintenance experience.
• UAV, aerospace, defence, automotive, or robotics experience is preferred.
• An avionics maintenance licence or military avionics experience is an advantage; training or work-instruction experience is also an advantage.

Essential technical skills

• Read wiring diagrams, schematics, pin-out tables, and harness drawings; perform high-quality crimping and soldering using common connectors.
• Use multimeters, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, and insulation testers.
• Know the basics of DC power, batteries, motors, ESCs, and UART, I²C, SPI, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Install software, flash firmware, change parameters, and use MS Office.

Desirable technical skills

• PX4 or ArduPilot with QGroundControl or Mission Planner; CAN bus tools and logic analyzers.
• SMD rework using hot air and a microscope; RF systems, antennas, coaxial cables, and range or interference checks.
• Basic Linux command line and simple flashing or test scripts; ground control stations, antenna trackers, or launcher electrical systems.

Personal attributes and conditions

• Work carefully, solve problems logically, document findings, and communicate instructions patiently while working effectively in a small team.
• Good spoken and written English.
• Based in the R&D workshop and laboratories in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, with regular work at UAE outdoor test sites, sometimes in high heat.
• Must follow safety rules when handling batteries, high current, solvents, and soldering fumes; work involves moving equipment up to 25 kg.
• Company security screening is required; a valid UAE driving licence is an advantage.

How success is measured