R and D Technician – Mechanical

Role overview

Prototype build and assembly

• Assemble airframes and structures from drawings and BOMs, including fuselages, wings, tails, landing gear, payload bays, and hatches.
• Bond parts with structural adhesives and record adhesive batches and cure data; perform composite lay-up, vacuum bagging, trimming, finishing, and repairs.
• Install fasteners, hardware, mechanisms, propulsion components, and ground equipment; make simple parts, jigs, and fixtures using machining and 3D printing.

Testing and field support

• Measure and record weight and center of gravity; rig control surfaces and check alignment and symmetry.
• Perform fuel leak tests, balance propellers, and inspect engine installations before ground runs.
• Prepare and support structural, functional, and vibration tests, including rig setup, instrumentation, and recording results.
• Support ground runs and flight tests at UAE test sites, including pre-flight checks, launch and recovery preparation, and post-flight inspection.

Maintenance and production transfer

• Maintain prototypes and ground equipment, complete inspections and repairs, and keep records of build state, modifications, weight, flight hours, and defects.
• Monitor stock and shelf life of materials and parts, and alert procurement before supplies run out.
• Build pilot production units, identify design-for-build issues, and make jigs, templates, and inspection gauges with engineers.
• Write and validate work instructions; train and sign off production staff and support production problem-solving and non-conformance investigations.

Workshop, safety, and quality

• Keep the workshop, tools, and machines clean, safe, and organized; follow safety rules for machines, materials, fuels, composite dust, and propellers and use appropriate PPE.
• Keep torque tools and measuring equipment calibrated; follow quality procedures and record material batches and inspection results.

Qualifications and experience

• Diploma, associate degree, or technical certificate in mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechatronics, or aircraft maintenance.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in mechanical assembly, composite work, or aircraft maintenance.
• UAV, aerospace, defense, motorsport, or marine composites experience is preferred.
• An aircraft maintenance licence or military aircraft maintenance experience is an advantage; training experience or work-instruction writing is also an advantage.

Technical skills

• Read engineering drawings, including tolerances and basic GD&T, and work from BOMs and 3D models.
• Use structural bonding methods, composite lay-up, vacuum bagging, trimming, repair, hand and power tools, torque tools, and precision measuring tools.
• Additional technical skills listed include prepreg and oven or autoclave cure, small engines and fuel systems, propeller balancing, test stands, 3D printing, basic CAD, launch systems, and basic electrical safety.

Personal attributes and language

• Good spoken and written English; careful and precise work habits, logical problem solving, and clear record keeping.
• Patiently teaches others and works well in a small team with changing priorities and test-campaign demands.

Working conditions

• Based in the R&D workshop and laboratories in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, with regular work at outdoor UAE test sites and occasional high heat.
• Works with resins, adhesives, solvents, fuels, composite dust, and workshop machines; must follow safety rules and use appropriate PPE.
• Lifts and moves equipment up to 25 kg; team lifting or aids are used for heavier items.
• Must pass company security screening. A valid UAE driving licence is an advantage.

Success measures