Principal Systems Engineer - Test Equipment Development

Reporting To

Job Purpose

Design & Development Of Test Equipment

• Design and develop custom test equipment (hardware and software) for the validation of avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
• Define technical requirements for Automated Test Equipment (ATE), simulation rigs, and integration benches for UAV platforms.
• Specify and develop test interface hardware, signal conditioning, harnesses, and instrumentation setups for lab and field use.

System Integration & Automation

• Develop test automation scripts and software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) to execute, control, and log test sequences.
• Integrate test equipment with telemetry, data acquisition systems, and HIL environments to support real-time and non-real-time simulations.
• Ensure test equipment interfaces comply with MIL-STD, ARINC, CAN, and Ethernet protocols as relevant.

Validation, Calibration & Maintenance

• Support initial validation and verification (V&V) of test equipment to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
• Develop calibration plans, preventive maintenance procedures, and failure root cause analysis for test tools. Maintain version control and configuration of hardware and software components used in test setups.
• Support for System and Subsystem Testing
• Provide engineering support during component, subsystem, and platform-level testing, including environmental, functional, and endurance tests.
• Collaborate with integration and test teams to ensure test coverage and traceability to system requirements.
• Document test equipment, design, user manual maintenance plan/ procedure, usage procedures, user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and compliance evidence.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Test Systems Engineering, Automation, or related field (PREFERRED)
• Have knowledge of design and verification for
• Avionics
• Hardware/Software design
• Mechanical /fluidic system/hydraulic systems
• Familiarity with design safety-critical systems testing
• Experience in hardware/software integration verification
• Experience in preparing test planning.
• Experience in preparation of test procedures as well as test reports as design evidences
• Experienced in requirement management

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in the design and deployment of aerospace or defense test equipment, preferably within the UAV domain.
• Proven experience in developing test benches, ATE, or HIL systems for aerospace, automotive, or defense-grade applications.
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems testing, hardware-software interface validation, and test compliance requirements.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with test software development using LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ or similar environments.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensors, and instrumentation calibration. Strong understanding of aerospace communication protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN Bus, Ethernet).
• Knowledge of systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, or similar) and requirement traceability.
• Familiar with electrical schematics, PCB-level debugging, and signal conditioning.
• Exposure to real-time systems, flight control hardware, and power management systems is advantageous.
• Familiar with mechanical/hydraulic/fluidic system design
• Familiar with electronics hardware design

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and systems-thinking abilities.
• Effective technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail, safety, and quality control.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking capability in a high-paced development environment.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) or equivalent – Preferred
• INCOSE ASEP/CSEP – Advantageous
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) – Advantageous
• AS9100D or ISO 9001 Quality System Awareness – Preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willing to travel for testing, supplier visits, training, and field support as required
• Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Willingness to relocate to the UAE
• #ADASI