Project Manager - Airframe Structures

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 – Airframe Structures to lead the design, development, and integration of structural components across our UAV platforms. This is a cross-functional leadership role blending engineering expertise, program management, and strategic direction. The successful candidate will oversee the full lifecycle of structural projects—from concept to production—ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, performance benchmarks, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of airframe structural projects.
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, budgets, and resource plans.
• Drive execution with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, simulation, and testing.
• Ensure compliance with PMO governance frameworks and organizational targets.
  
  

Technical Oversight

• Collaborate with structural and analysis teams to validate design, material selection, and build methods.
• Supervise CAD, FEM, and structural testing activities, ensuring alignment with UAV standards.
• Support subsystem integration across avionics, payloads, and propulsion systems.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as key liaison between engineering teams, internal stakeholders, and external defense partners.
• Deliver technical updates and project status reports to senior leadership and customers.
• Coordinate with procurement, supply chain, and QA teams to maintain delivery integrity.
  
  

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to aerospace and defense standards (MIL-STD, AS9100, GCAA/UAE regulations).
• Maintain robust documentation including design reviews, test outcomes, and configuration controls.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master’s Degree preferred, particularly in Aerospace Structures, Systems Engineering, or Engineering Management.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace/defense engineering, with at least 8 years in project management.
• Proven track record in leading airframe structural projects through full development cycles.
• Experience with UAV or military-grade aerospace systems is essential.
  
  

Technical Tools

• Project Management: MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent
• Engineering Software: CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS, NASTRAN
• Productivity: MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems is a plus
  
  

Ideal Attributes

• Deep technical knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fatigue, and structural testing
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to align cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset and high resilience under pressure
• Fluent in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Collaborative, results-driven, and quality-focused
  
  

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.