GCS Design Authority

ADASI

Job Purpose

The Design Authority GCS Hardware provides technical ownership and strategic leadership over the design, development, integration, and lifecycle management of Ground Control Station (GCS) hardware within ADASI s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. The role ensures that GCS hardware systems including computing units, control panels, mission displays, communication terminals, and supporting infrastructure meet mission-critical performance, reliability, environmental, and regulatory requirements. As the final approver of hardware architecture and design decisions, this role is pivotal in aligning GCS platforms with ADASI s product and capability roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Authority & Design Ownership

• Define, maintain, and own the hardware architecture, component selection, and interface design for GCS systems.
• Approve and release hardware design documentation, schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and bill of materials (BOM).
• Lead design reviews at key milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), ensuring compliance with system requirements and platform constraints.
  
  

System Integration & Validation

• Oversee end-to-end integration of computing hardware, HMI elements, displays, power distribution, and data communication systems within GCS.
• Coordinate with software, avionics, RF, and cyber teams to ensure seamless interoperability and EMC/EMI compliance.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and system integration testing environments.
  
  

Regulatory Compliance & Certification

• Ensure GCS hardware complies with military, aerospace, and industrial standards including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, DO-254, and NATO STANAGs.
• Support documentation and design evidence required for regulatory and end-user acceptance, including safety and cybersecurity reviews.
  
  

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customer technical authorities.
• Mentor hardware engineers and establish design best practices, design assurance standards, and quality frameworks.
• Contribute to GCS product strategy, roadmap planning, and capability development aligned with evolving mission requirements.
  
  

Vendor Management & Supply Chain Interface

• Evaluate COTS/MOTS hardware solutions for inclusion in GCS platforms, ensuring form-fit-function and environmental compatibility.
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and manufacturing engineering to ensure product readiness, cost control, and timely delivery.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related field (REQUIRED).
• Master s degree in Embedded Systems, Aerospace Electronics, or Systems Engineering (PREFERRED).
  
  

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems, with 5+ years in a senior technical or design authority role.
• Proven track record in designing and integrating ground-based control hardware for UAVs, drones, or command & control platforms.
• Strong understanding of embedded computing systems, power architecture, data acquisition, and environmental qualification processes.
  
  

Technical Skills & Tools

• Proficient in electrical and electronic design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, Zuken).
• Experience with ruggedized computing platforms, mission displays, switches, connectors, and interface boards.
• Familiar with data buses and communication protocols (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, CAN, RS-232/422, Ethernet, USB, PCIe).
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC design mitigation, grounding, and shielding practices.
• Experience with system modeling tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB/Simulink) and requirements management (e.g., DOORS).
• Understanding of PLM systems and change/configuration management processes (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill).
  
  

Certifications (Preferred But Not Mandatory)

• Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP INCOSE)
• DO-254 Compliance Training
• PMP or equivalent project management qualification
• CISSP or Security+ (for hardware cybersecurity environments)
  
  

Ideal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a strong system-level understanding of ground and airborne systems.
• High attention to detail and a structured approach to complex hardware challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work cross-functionally and lead multidisciplinary design efforts.
• Passion for innovation in defense technology and autonomous systems.