Senior Integration & Testing Engineer - UAV Systems

About the role

System integration and propulsion

• Lead end-to-end UAV integration for prototype and production-assistance platforms.
• Integrate airframe assemblies, propulsion, avionics, flight controllers, communications, sensors, and payloads.
• Perform mechanical fitment, wiring-harness integration, and subsystem validation; check mechanical, electrical, and avionics interface compatibility.
• Install, test, tune, and troubleshoot electric and IC-engine propulsion systems.
• Evaluate propulsion performance; conduct ground runs, endurance tests, and performance testing; diagnose mechanical and electrical issues.
• Follow propulsion safety procedures and maintenance practices.

Avionics and testing

• Integrate and configure flight controllers, GPS, IMU, ESCs, telemetry radios, RC systems, ADS-B modules, and onboard computers.
• Validate sensors and communication protocols including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422; support autopilot tuning and mission configuration.
• Develop integration and qualification test plans, procedures, and reports; conduct subsystem, system-level, environmental, ground, and flight testing.
• Perform pre- and post-flight inspections, flight-readiness reviews, and post-flight analysis; validate reliability, safety, and performance requirements.
• Troubleshoot system failures and perform root cause analysis during testing.

Flight tests and documentation

• Support and coordinate UAV flight-test campaigns; analyze flight logs, identify anomalies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with UAV pilots and design engineers during testing activities.
• Maintain integration records, test reports, configuration documents, and validation records.
• Support certification, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance where applicable; follow engineering, quality, and safety procedures.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aeronautical, electronics, mechatronics engineering, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in UAV integration and testing; previous UAV-industry experience is mandatory.
• Hands-on experience with UAV platforms in an R&D environment.
• Strong understanding of UAV architecture, avionics, propulsion systems, and flight dynamics.
• Experience with ground and flight testing and system troubleshooting.
• Basic exposure to avionics, communication protocols, and embedded systems.

Technical skills

• Mechanical integration: airframe assembly, composite structures, mechanical systems, propulsion and payload integration, and troubleshooting.
• Basic test equipment including multimeters and oscilloscopes; hand and power tools; data acquisition systems.
• Basic understanding of flight controllers, GPS, IMU, compass, telemetry, ESCs, batteries, power distribution, RF communication, and embedded electronics.
• Protocols include CAN Bus, UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL UAV platforms.
• Knowledge of autonomous flight systems and UAV mission planning.
• Familiarity with UAV regulations and operational safety procedures.
• Experience with HIL and simulation testing.

Key competencies

• System-level thinking, cross-functional collaboration, analytical troubleshooting, flight-test execution, and technical leadership.
• Documentation and reporting; problem-solving under field conditions.

Location and availability

• Role location is Abu Dhabi; the posting prefers candidates currently residing in the UAE and immediate joiners.
• Flight-test operations and problem-solving under field conditions are part of the role.