Software Engineer - UAV Avionics & Mission Systems

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer – UAV Avionics & Mission SystemsEmployment Type: Full-TimeExperience Level: 15+ YearsLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Relocation support provided)Department: Systems EngineeringIndustry: DefenseThis position is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi, with relocation support provided.Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development, integration, and validation of avionics and mission-critical payload systems for advanced UAV platforms. This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, requirements development, systems integration, verification and validation, and lifecycle documentation within aerospace, defence, or other safety-critical industries.The ideal candidate will have deep experience across UAV avionics, flight control, navigation, datalink systems, sensors, and mission payloads. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will be responsible for defining system architecture, managing interfaces, supporting integration and test activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable aerospace and defence standards.Key ResponsibilitiesRequirements Development & DocumentationDefine, analyse, and manage system-level requirements for UAV avionics, navigation, datalinks, and sensor payloads.Develop system architecture and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for integration of autopilots, mission computers, and sensors.Generate and maintain technical documentation across the system development lifecycle.Support technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and QR.Systems IntegrationOversee integration and testing of avionics and payload subsystems, ensuring interoperability, robustness, and mission readiness.Coordinate integration of flight control systems, mission computers, sensors, datalinks, and RF payloads.Evaluate and select COTS/custom avionics and payloads, including EO/IR, COMINT, SIGINT, and LIDAR, based on mission requirements.Collaborate across engineering disciplines to resolve integration challenges and ensure platform-level performance.Verification & ValidationDesign and implement verification and validation plans supporting simulation, ground testing, and flight trials.Analyse telemetry and test data to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance.Execute system integration testing, document results, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions.Support airworthiness, cybersecurity, quality, and risk reviews with mitigation strategies.Compliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure compliance with applicable aerospace, defence, and safety-critical standards including DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-810.Prepare and maintain documentation required for certification, audits, and engineering reviews.Participate in design reviews, technical audits, and engineering assessments.Promote engineering best practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement across the team.Technical LeadershipProvide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams.Lead technical discussions and contribute to engineering decision-making.Mentor engineers and support capability development within the team.Interface with internal and external stakeholders on technical programme matters.Qualifications EducationBachelor’s degree in Avionics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.Master’s degree in Avionics Systems or Systems Engineering is preferred.ExperienceMinimum of 15 years of experience in avionics or mission systems engineering for UAVs or aerospace platforms.Proven experience in avionics integration, flight control systems, ISR sensor payloads, and mission-critical systems.Deep familiarity with UAV command and control, datalink systems, and RF payloads.Experience supporting certification or qualification activities for safety-critical systems is highly desirable.Technical SkillsStrong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle management.Experience developing system architecture and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).Expertise in requirements management, traceability, integration, verification, and validation.Knowledge of aerospace and defence standards including DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-810.Experience with systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Polarion, SysML, or UML.Familiarity with communication and data protocols including ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet, and UART.Experience with RTOS environments such as VxWorks, QNX, or embedded Linux.Experience with HIL testing, telemetry analysis, simulation environments, sensor fusion, RF link integration, and mission planning software.Preferred SkillsStrong systems-thinking and interdisciplinary engineering capability.High attention to safety, reliability, and mission assurance.Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.Ability to lead multifunctional teams and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.Agile, proactive, and comfortable working in high-stakes, dynamic development programmes.