Job Description

About ADASI
ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions - from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region's technological edge in defense innovation.
The Role
We are seeking a Project Manager - Avionics and Mission Systems to lead the end-to-end delivery of cutting-edge avionics and mission payload solutions across our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms. This role is a critical interface between technical execution and strategic program delivery, ensuring that all electronics, sensors, control systems, and payloads are integrated and validated to meet the most stringent defense performance, safety, and compliance requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep domain knowledge, strong project management experience, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a high-stakes aerospace defense environment.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Execution
Define and manage detailed project plans, budgets, schedules, and milestones from concept to deployment
Lead cross-functional development efforts in system, electrical, software, and test engineering
Ensure alignment with program risk profiles, quality gates, and delivery timelines
Technical Oversight & Integration
Oversee integration of avionics systems including flight control computers, autopilots, INS/GPS, datalinks, and mission payloads (EO/IR, SIGINT, EW)
Support creation of interface control documents (ICDs), architecture specifications, and system test plans
Ensure all systems meet regulatory compliance standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STDs, and STANAGs
Stakeholder & Team Coordination
Liaise with internal departments (engineering, QA, procurement, logistics) and external defense customers and partners
Act as project point-of-contact for technical and programmatic updates across lifecycle stages (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR)
Drive project traceability, documentation, and knowledge transfer practices
Vendor and Supply Chain Management
Manage external suppliers and subcontractors providing avionics hardware, embedded systems, and mission software
Review technical proposals, ensure requirement alignment, and oversee vendor test/integration deliverables
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure project execution adheres to ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, and internal quality frameworks
Proactively identify and mitigate technical, cost, and schedule risks
Maintain comprehensive project documentation, risk logs, status reports, and lessons learned
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Avionics Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (REQUIRED)
Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Project Management, or a technical management field (PREFERRED)
Experience
Minimum 15 years of experience in aerospace/defense engineering
At least 8 years in project or program management roles related to avionics, C2, or mission systems
Experience with UAV avionics integration and defense-grade sensor and payload technologies
Technical Tools
System Architectures: Embedded systems, real-time communications, and sensor fusion integration
Interfaces: ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet
Software & Tools: DOORS, Polarion, MS Project, Primavera, Jira
Standards & Frameworks: DO-178C, DO-254, STANAGs, cybersecurity protocols, airworthiness certification for military UAVs
Ideal Attributes
Proven leadership in multi-disciplinary technical teams
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Detail-oriented, mission-focused, and highly accountable
Comfortable managing complex, fast-paced development programs under tight deadlines
Strong balance of technical depth and program management discipline
Why Join ADASI
At ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.