Project Manager - UAS System Integration & Test

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.

Job Purpose

The Project Manager – UAS System Integration & Test is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing the integration and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) within ADASI’s defense aerospace programs. This role requires both strategic oversight and hands-on technical leadership to coordinate cross-functional teams involved in the integration of avionics, propulsion, payloads, communications, and mission-critical software. The Project Manager ensures that UAS platforms meet system performance specifications, regulatory standards, and end-user requirements through rigorous ground and flight testing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of UAS integration and test programs, from requirements gathering through final system delivery.
• Develop project plans, timelines, cost estimates, and risk assessments.
• Ensure timely delivery of project milestones in line with engineering and program objectives.
• Align project execution with internal governance frameworks and defense acquisition standards.
  
  

System Integration Oversight

• Manage the integration of subsystems including avionics, propulsion, electrical, software, payloads, and data links into the UAS platform.
• Support the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system architecture, and integration protocols.
• Ensure compatibility and performance of integrated components via bench-level and vehicle-level testing.
  
  

Test Management

• Define, plan, and execute system verification and validation strategies including ground testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing.
• Coordinate environmental, functional, and performance testing in accordance with MIL-STD, DO-160, or GCAA/UAE military standards.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and post-test analysis and reporting.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, engineering teams, QA, and defense customers regarding system integration and test status.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, project dashboards, and risk logs to executive leadership.
• Manage coordination with external vendors, laboratories, and testing agencies as required.
  
  

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all integration and testing activities comply with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and UAE defense regulations.
• Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation practices for traceability and audit readiness.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or equivalent (PREFERRED)
  
  

Experience

• 8–12 years of experience in aerospace or defense engineering, with at least 5 years managing system integration and test projects.
• Direct experience with UAS platforms or military aircraft integration programs.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex system development and validation cycles.
  
  

Technical Skills & Tools

• Proficient in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar)
• Strong understanding of UAS architecture, avionics, power systems, propulsion, telemetry, and payload integration
• Hands-on experience with HIL/SIL environments, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, or dSPACE
• Familiarity with communication protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN) and data acquisition systems
• Knowledge of aerospace compliance standards: MIL-STD-810, DO-160, AS9100
• Experience using configuration and document control systems (DOORS, Polarion, Windchill)
  
  

Preferred Certifications

• PMP or PRINCE2 Certification
• INCOSE Systems Engineering Certification (ASEP/CSEP)
• SAFe Agile Certification (desired but not required)
• Flight test qualification or military test pilot school exposure (a plus)
  
  

Ideal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure in high-tempo defense programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication across technical and non-technical audiences
• Leadership presence with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders
• Adaptability and proactive mindset aligned with R&D, prototyping, and system certification environments
  
  

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.