Key Responsibilities:
- Own the master program plan covering design, development, testing, certification, and industrialization
- Manage cross-functional teams (airframe, propulsion, avionics, autonomy, manufacturing, flight test)
- Track and control schedule, budget, milestones, and dependencies
- Establish and run program governance: reviews, decision gates, risk registers, action tracking
- Interface with regulators, partners, suppliers, and customers on program matters
- Drive make/buy decisions, supplier readiness, and long-lead item planning
- Identify, mitigate, and escalate technical, schedule, and cost risks
- Prepare executive and board-level reporting with clear, decision-ready insights
- Support flight test campaigns, certification planning, and operational readiness
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or similar)
- 10+ years of experience in aerospace, UAV, eVTOL, or complex hardware programs
- Proven track record managing full product development lifecycles
- Strong understanding of aerospace certification, flight test, and systems engineering
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Hands-on, delivery-focused mindset, comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment
- Experience with hybrid propulsion or autonomous systems
- Prior engagement with aviation authorities (Part 21, military, or experimental programs)
- PMP or equivalent program management certification
Additional Information:
- This role is onsite in Abu Dhabi and requires close day-to-day engagement with engineering, manufacturing, and flight test teams.
