Principal System Engineer - UAV Mission Systems (UAV Avionics)

TL;DR

Principal System Engineer - UAV Mission Systems (UAV Avionics): Designing, integrating, and validating core avionics and mission-specific systems for UAV platforms with an accent on requirements engineering, architecture definition, and lifecycle management. Focus on ensuring compliance with aerospace standards (DO-178C, DO-254), optimizing payload integration, and executing complex V&V plans.

Location: Abu Dhabi, AE

Company

hirify.global is a leading defense conglomerate focused on advanced UAV platforms and mission systems.

What you will do

• Define system-level requirements and develop architecture and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for avionics and mission payloads.
• Oversee the integration of COTS and custom systems, including GPS/INS, EO/IR payloads, SIGINT/ELINT modules, and tactical radios.
• Develop and execute Verification & Validation (V&V) plans involving ground tests, simulation, and flight tests.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace standards such as SAE ARP 4754, DO-178C, DO-254, and MIL-STD, as well as GCAA/MoD regulatory requirements.
• Perform system safety assessments (FHA, FMEA, PSA) and support airworthiness and cybersecurity compliance.
• Provide technical leadership during design reviews (PDR, CDR) and support operational teams during in-field troubleshooting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Avionics, Electrical/Electronic, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in UAV or defense avionics/mission systems engineering.
• Proven track record in integrating payloads such as EO/IR, COMINT/SIGINT, radar, and LIDAR on aerospace platforms.
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools (DOORS, Polarion, SysML/UML) and data protocols (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet).
• Experience with RTOS environments (VxWorks, QNX, embedded Linux) and safety-critical system design.
• Must be based in or able to work in Abu Dhabi, AE.

Nice to have

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP certification.
• Specialized training or certification in DO-178C / DO-254.