Principal Systems Engineer - Actuation System

Job DescriptionJob Title: Systems Engineer – Actuation SystemsDepartment: EngineeringLocation: ADASI HQ, Abu Dhabi, UAEReporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief EngineerEntity: ADASI (A subsidiary of EDGE Group)Job PurposeThe Systems Engineer – Actuation Systems is responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of actuation systems across ADASI’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms. This role focuses on ensuring that flight control, landing gear, payload, and subsystem actuators meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position requires a combination of technical expertise, systems‑level thinking, and cross‑disciplinary coordination to support the development of reliable and mission‑capable UAVs.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture & Requirements DevelopmentDefine and manage system‑level requirements and performance specifications for actuation systems (flight control, landing gear, payload deployment).Develop and ensure system safety analysis in parallel, maintain interface control documents (ICDs), requirement traceability matrices, and system architecture diagrams.Prepare related design evidence documents including DDP.Ensure Design Life‑Cycle management as per DO 4754.Work closely with control systems, avionics, airframe, and software teams to ensure optimal actuator integration.Ensure that requirement definition, design processes, verification and integration for custom developed systems are in place (ADASI side and/or supplier side).Prepare related design verification documents including system DDPs.Design Support & IntegrationParticipate in the selection, integration, and configuration of electromechanical and/or hydraulic actuators.Support the integration of actuating systems across the platform.Conduct trade‑off analyses for actuator sizing, type (rotary/linear), redundancy, and failure management strategies.Ensure actuation subsystem requirements are aligned with power, control, thermal, and mechanical constraints of the platform.Develop System Safety Assessments starting with FHA, FMEA and PSA, supporting the safety engineers in parallel.Validation, Testing & ComplianceDevelop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans including simulation, laboratory, ground, and flight test activities.Support the execution and analysis of tests such as load tests, response time assessments, life cycle tests, and environmental qualification (DO-160, MIL-STD-810).Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace and defense standards, including e.g. DO-178C, DO-254 (if applicable), SAE ARP 4754, SAE ARP 4761.Problem Solving & Engineering SupportLead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for actuator‑related issues across development and operational environments.Support FMEA, hazard analysis, and reliability assessments as part of the system safety process.Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges in production and integration phases.Ensure maintenance planning for actuation system and components including obsolescence management.Support airworthiness and certification compliance process.Documentation & Cross‑functional CommunicationGenerate and maintain technical documentation including system design descriptions, test reports, and compliance records.Participate in internal and external technical reviews, design reviews (PDR, CDR), and configuration audits.Support stakeholder communication by translating technical details into project‑level updates and presentations.Qualifications & ExperienceEducational BackgroundBachelor’s Degree in Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering (REQUIRED)Master’s Degree in a related field or specialization in actuation systems, flight controls, or robotics (PREFERRED)Professional ExperienceMinimum 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense systems engineering, with at least 5 years working with actuation systems.Experience in UAVs, aircraft, missiles, or robotic systems with emphasis on actuator integration and control.Experience with standards e.g. SAE ARP 4754, SAE ARP 4761, DO-254, MIL-STD-810.Experience in safety‑critical system design.Experience with simulation, HIL testing, and flight test data analysis.Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of:Electromechanical and electrohydraulic actuatorsServo control loops, feedback systems, and embedded control architectureRedundant and fail‑operational actuation designsStrong knowledge and experience in system development life cycle managementFamiliar with system safety and certification & qualification processKnowledge in environmental qualification and EMI&EMC complianceCapable of technical management/monitoring on supplier design activitiesFamiliarity with:System modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, or Amesim)CAD software for layout and packaging (CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks)Soft Skills & CompetenciesStrong systems‑thinking approach and attention to interface‑level interactionsAnalytical min