Principal Engineer (Aerodynamics-Missiles)

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

ADVANCED CONCEPTS is an entity within EDGE dedicated to the design and deployment of advanced, innovative technologies. ADVANCED CONCEPTS is fast-tracking the development of high-technology autonomous systems, including three Medium Endurance, High Altitude, fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems, a family of precision loitering munitions, a cost- effective family of cruise missiles, and a range of guided artillery munitions.

This role focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of missiles, covering aerodynamics, structures, flight dynamics, controls, propulsion, and stability. It involves leading conceptual design and performance studies, including high-speed aerodynamics, heat transfer, and store separation analysis. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the design, performance evaluation, and optimization of missiles, including fuselage, wings, and control surfaces.
• Incorporates structural and aerodynamic considerations seamlessly into the design process, ensuring balanced functionality and performance of aerospace structures.
• Applies deep understanding of applied aerodynamics and flight dynamics to guide and enhance design projects.
• Utilizes control theory knowledge to ensure stability and optimize the performance of missiles.
• Deep fundamental knowledge of high-speed aerodynamics and heat transfer – transonic and supersonic flows.
• Understanding of process of missile conceptual design – formulation of requirements, generation of concepts, trade-off studies, sensitivity analysis, MDO.
• Working understanding of jet propulsion – solid rocket motors and turbines.
• Working understanding of store separation – simulation approaches, validation. 
• Applies strong mathematical skills in various aspects of aerospace engineering, from design computations to simulation result interpretations.
• Communicates complex technical information effectively, both in writing and orally, ensuring clarity and comprehension among technical and non-technical personnel.
• Supports the chief engineer in the form of technical contributions.
• Mentoring Engineer, Engineer I, Engineer II

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Master or PhD specifically in Aerospace Engineering
• Minimum 12 years in UAS industry including 5+ years in a senior/team lead role
• Knowledge of guided weapons and missile technology is mandatory

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office, MATLAB, any CAD package (Solidworks preferred)
• Proficient in low fidelity tools (DATCOM) and advanced simulations (ANSYS Fluent) for fixed wing aircraft and missiles.
• Working knowledge of jet propulsion – turbines and solid rocket motors – selection, integration, optimization
• Expert knowledge of missile conceptual design.
• Working knowledge of missile control theory
• Experience in running HPC clusters for CFD and CHT simulations.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.