Principal Systems Engineer - Environmental Engineering

Job Title: Systems Engineer – Environmental EngineeringEngineeringLocation: ADASI HQ, Abu Dhabi, UAEReporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief EngineerEntity: ADASI (Subsidiary of EDGE Group)Job PurposeThe Systems Engineer – Environmental Engineering is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of environmental control and conditioning systems supporting 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 ResponsibilitiesEnvironmental Control Systems Design & IntegrationLead the development and refinement of environmental control system (ECS) requirements including thermal management, 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 ensure seamless integration of environmental systems within overall UAV architecture.Define system architecture and interface control documents (ICDs) to ensure clear boundaries and performance expectations for environmental subsystems.Thermal & Environmental AnalysisPerform thermal modeling and simulation to predict temperature distributions, heat fluxes, and cooling requirements using tools 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 propose mitigation strategies to maintain system functionality and longevity.Develop and validate thermal control strategies including active and passive cooling, insulation, and airflow management.Testing & ValidationDefine 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 & DocumentationEnsure environmental control systems comply with regional and international aerospace standards and regulations.Prepare detailed technical documentation including design descriptions, test plans/reports, risk assessments, and certification support documentation.Participate in design reviews, audits, and certification processes supporting airworthiness and mission readiness.Prepare related design evidence documents including DDP.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical LeadershipCollaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve environmental 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 suppliers and external partners to evaluate new technologies, components, and solutions.Ensure the requirement definition, design process, verification and integration for custom developed system under supplier development.Qualifications & ExperienceEducational BackgroundBachelor’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 ExperienceMinimum 10+ years’ experience in aerospace or defense sectors with a focus on environmental control systems, thermal management, or related fields.Experience with UAV or manned aircraft environmental systems, thermal analysis, or thermal systems design and integration.Knowledge in environmental control system standards and testing methodsExperience in safety-critical system designTechnical SkillsProficiency in thermal and environmental simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal, Thermal Desktop, Fluent CFD, or MATLAB.Experience with environmental and thermal system design, including heat exchangers, ventilation, insulation, and contamination control.Strong knowledge of relevant aerospace environmental standards e.g.: MIL-STD-810, DO-160.Familiar with systems engineering tools (DOORS, JAMA) for requirements management and traceability.Demonstrated knowledge and experience in system development life cycle managementFamiliar with system safety, qualification and certification processes.Capable of technical management/monitoring on supplier design activities.Soft Skills & Compe