Principal Systems Engineer - Actuation System

Department

Entity

Job Purpose

System Architecture & Requirements Development

• Define and manage system-level requirements and performance specifications for actuation systems (flight control, landing gear, payload deployment).
• Develop and ensure system safety analysis in parallel, maintain interface control documents (ICDs), requirement traceability matrices, and system architecture diagrams.
• Prepare related design evidence documents including DDP
• Ensure Design Life-Cycle management as per DO 4754
• Work closely with control systems, avionics, airframe, and software teams to ensure optimal actuator integration.
• Ensure the that requirement definition, design processes, verification and integration for custom developed systems are in place (ADASI side and/or supplier side)
• Prepare related design verification documents including system DDPs.

Design Support & Integration

• Participate in the selection, integration, and configuration of electromechanical and/or hydraulic actuators.
• Support the integration of actuating systems across the platform
• Conduct trade-off analyses for actuator sizing, type (rotary/linear), redundancy, and failure management strategies.
• Ensure actuation subsystem requirements are aligned with power, control, thermal, and mechanical constraints of the platform.
• Develop System Safety Assessments starting with FHA, FMEA and PSA, supporting the safety engineers in parallel

Validation, Testing & Compliance

• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans including simulation, laboratory, ground, and flight test activities.
• Support the execution and analysis of tests such as load tests, response time assessments, life cycle tests, and environmental qualification (DO-160, MIL-STD-810).
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace and defense standards, including e.g. DO-178C, DO-254 (if applicable), SAE ARP 4754, SAE ARP 4761.

Problem Solving & Engineering Support

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for actuator-related issues across development and operational environments.
• Support FMEA, hazard analysis, and reliability assessments as part of the system safety process.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges in production and integration phases.
• Ensure maintenance planning for actuation system and components including obsolescence management
• Support airworthiness and certification compliance process

Documentation & Cross-Functional Communication

• Generate and maintain technical documentation including system design descriptions, test reports, and compliance records.
• Participate in internal and external technical reviews, design reviews (PDR, CDR), and configuration audits.
• Support stakeholder communication by translating technical details into project-level updates and presentations.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in a related field or specialization in actuation systems, flight controls, or robotics (PREFERRED)

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense systems engineering, with at least 5 years working with actuation systems.
• Experience in UAVs, aircraft, missiles, or robotic systems with emphasis on actuator integration and control.
• Experience in standards e.g. SAE ARP 4754, SAE ARP 4761, DO-254, MIL-STD-810
• Experience in safety-critical system design
• Experience with simulation, HIL testing, and flight test data analysis.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• + Electromechanical and electrohydraulic actuators
• + Servo control loops, feedback systems, and embedded control architecture
• + Redundant and fail-operational actuation designs
• + Strong knowledge and experience in system development life cycle management
• + Familiar with system safety and certification & qualification process
• + Knowledge in environmental qualification and EMI&EMC compliance
• + Capable of technical management/monitoring on supplier design activities
• Familiarity with:
• + System modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, or Amesim)
• + CAD software for layout and packaging (CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks)

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong systems-thinking approach and attention to interface-level interactions
• Analytical mindset with practical problem-solving ability
• Effective communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Team-oriented with the ability to lead technical discussions and reviews
• Comfortable working in a mission-driven, defense environment with strict confidentiality and quality expectations

Preferred Certifications

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP certification – Preferred
• OEM training or certification in actuation/control systems – Beneficial
• Familiarity with AS9100D or ISO 9001 quality systems – Preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willingness to travel for supplier coordination, testing campaigns, or technical support as needed
• Fluent in English (Arabic language skills are a plus)
• Willingness to relocate to UAE
• #ADASI