Job Title: Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering Department: Engineering Location: Abu Dhabi, UAEReporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief Engineer
Job Purpose:The Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of environmental controland conditioning systemssupporting UAV platforms. This role ensures environmental systems (including thermal management, cabin or payload conditioning, and related subsystems) comply with mission requirements, regulatory standards, and platform constraints. The position requires a blend of technical expertise in environmental engineering, systems integration skills, and strategic analysis to optimize system reliability and performance in diverse operational environments.
Key Responsibilities:Environmental Control Systems Design & Integration Lead the development and refinement of environmental control system (ECS) requirements including thermalmanagement, ventilation, pressurization (if applicable), and contamination control for UAV subsystems and payloads. Ensure System Safety Analysis in parallel with design. Ensure Design Life-Cycle management as per ARP4754Collaborate with airframe,mechanical, electrical, and avionics teams to ensureseamless integration of environmental systems within overall UAV architecture. Define system architecture and interface controldocuments (ICDs) to ensure clear boundaries and performance expectations for environmental subsystems.
Thermal & Environmental Analysis Perform thermalmodeling and simulation to predict temperature distributions, heat fluxes, and cooling requirements usingtools such as Thermal Desktop,ANSYS, or MATLAB. Support the test and integration activities for Environmental Control Systems. Analyze environmental loads such as temperature extremes, vibration, humidity, and dust, and proposemitigation strategies to maintain system functionality and longevity. Develop and validatethermal control strategies including active and passive cooling, insulation, and airflow management.
Testing & Validation Define Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for environmental system performance including thermal cycling, environmental stress screening, and contamination control tests. Support environmental qualification testing aligned with standards such as MIL-STD- 810, DO-160, and relevant GCAA requirements. Analyze test results,recommend design improvements, and ensure documentation meets certification requirements.
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Ensure environmental controlsystems comply with regional and international aerospace standards and regulations. Prepare detailed technicaldocumentation including design descriptions, test plans/reports, risk assessments, and certification support documentation. Participate in designreviews, audits, and certification processes supporting airworthiness and mission readiness. Prepare related designevidence documents including DDP.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Leadership Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolveenvironmental challenges impacting platform performance and reliability. Act as the technical expert for environmental control systems engineering matters, mentoring junior engineers and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. Engage with suppliersand external partnersto evaluate new technologies, components, and solutions. Ensure the requirement definition, design process,verification and integration for custom developed system under supplier development.
Qualifications & Experience:Educational Background Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (REQUIRED) Master’s Degree in Thermal Sciences, Environmental Systems, or Aerospace Systems Engineering (PREFERRED)
Professional Experience:Minimum 10+ years’ experience in aerospace or defense sectorswith a focus on environmental control systems, thermal management, or related fields. Experience with UAV or mannedaircraft environmental systems,thermal analysis, or thermal systems design and integration. Knowledge in environmental controlsystem standards and testing methods Experience in safety-critical system design
Technical Skills:Proficiency in thermaland environmental simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal, Thermal Desktop, Fluent CFD, or MATLAB. Experience with environmental and thermal systemdesign, including heat exchangers, ventilation, insulation, and contamination control. Strong knowledge of relevant aerospaceenvironmental standards e.g.: MIL-STD-810, DO-160. Familiar with systemsengineering tools (DOORS,JAMA) for requirements management and traceability. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in system development life cycle management Familiar with systemsafety, qualification and certification processes. Capable of technical management/monitoring on supplier design activities.
Soft Skills & Competencies:Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail Effective communication skillsfor technical documentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration Proactive and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities Ability to work in a mission-driven environment with strict quality and safety standards Leadership capabilities to mentor and guide engineering teams
Preferred Certifications:INCOSE ASEP or CSEP certification – Preferred Thermal or Environmental Engineering professional certifications (e.g., ASHRAE, AIAA, ASTFE) – Advantageous
Additional Requirements:Eligibility for UAE defense/security clearance mandatory Willingness to travel for testing, supplier visits, and technical collaboration as required Fluency in English required; Arabic language skills a plus Willingness to relocate to UAE