Mechanical Design Authority - Airframe Structures

ADASI

The Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Authority Airframe Structures to lead the mechanical design and integrity of airframe structures for our UAV platforms. This pivotal role provides strategic design direction, ensures compliance with airworthiness standards, and supports the full product lifecycle from concept to certification. As the ultimate design signatory, you will champion design excellence and technical governance across cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Design Governance & Technical Authority

• Own and control the technical baseline for all mechanical structural components.
• Approve and release design data, drawings, and models aligned with system-level requirements.
• Develop and enforce structural design standards and configuration management practices.
• Act as primary design signatory at key project milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR).
  
  

Strategic Oversight & Leadership

• Contribute to product strategy and platform evolution through structural design leadership.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Drive innovation in structural architectures and manufacturing methods.
  
  

Structural Analysis & Verification

• Oversee load path definition, stress analysis, and fatigue life assessments.
• Guide simulation and testing campaigns including FEA, vibration, and crashworthiness testing.
• Ensure comprehensive traceability from design to verification.
  
  

Certification, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, DO-160, and relevant airworthiness standards (UAE MoD, GCAA).
• Interface with certification bodies and internal QA/safety functions.
• Lead FMEA, hazard analyses, and structural safety reviews.
  
  

Cross-Functional Integration

• Support DFM/DFA with manufacturing engineering and assist in NCR resolution.
• Provide technical oversight for outsourced mechanical components and suppliers.
• Participate in trade studies and technology roadmap reviews.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (REQUIRED).
• Master s or PhD in Aerospace Structures or Composite Design (PREFERRED).
  
  

Experience

• 10+ years in aerospace/defense structural engineering.
• 5+ years in a design authority or senior technical leadership role.
• Direct experience with UAV, rotorcraft, or fixed-wing aircraft design and certification.
  
  

Certifications

• Certification in design engineering or relevant aerospace standards is an advantage.
  
  

Technical Tools

• CAD: CATIA V5/V6 (or equivalent)
• FEA: ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, HyperMesh
• PLM: Teamcenter, Windchill, ARAS
• Standards: MIL-STD, AS9100, STANAGs, CS-UAS, EASA CS-23/25
• Other: Simulation & analysis tools, structural testing software
  
  

Ideal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong decision-making skills.
• Influential leader with experience in cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communicator with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.