Systems Engineer – UAV Avionics & Mission Systems (based on-site in Abu Dhabi, UAE)

About the job Systems Engineer – UAV Avionics & Mission Systems Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Job Purpose Design, integrate, validate, and manage avionics and mission systems for UAV platforms, ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Define system requirements and architecture for navigation, comms, sensors, datalinks, EW, and ISR. Develop ICDs and support trade studies (weight, power, data). Conduct safety assessments (FHA, FMEA, PSA). Oversee integration of COTS/custom avionics (GPS/INS, EO/IR, SIGINT, radios, mission computers). Create V&V plans and analyze test/flight data. Ensure compliance with aerospace/defense standards (ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-461/810, GCAA). Support airworthiness, cybersecurity, and risk mitigation. Maintain technical documentation and configuration records. Lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR) and collaborate across GCS, flight control, electrical, software, and payload teams. Support field integration and troubleshooting. Qualifications Bachelor’s in Avionics, Electrical/Electronics, Aerospace, or related (required). Master’s preferred. 15+ years in UAV/defense avionics or mission systems. Strongly preferred: ARP4754/4761, MIL-STD-882, INCOSE CSEP/ASEP. Beneficial: DO-178C/DO-254, cybersecurity (CISSP/DO-326), AS9100/ISO9001. Technical Skills Proficient in DOORS, Polarion, SysML/UML. Avionics design/integration (hardware/software). Safety-critical systems and full lifecycle management. Data protocols: ARINC429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet, RS-422. RTOS (VxWorks, QNX, Linux) and mission software architecture. Simulation, HIL, flight test data analysis. Sensor fusion, datalink integration, real-time processing. Supplier technical management. Environmental qualification and EMI/EMC compliance. Soft Skills Analytical, systems-thinking, strong documentation and communication. Team-oriented, detail-focused on safety/reliability, adaptable, proactive.