Systems Engineer - Aerodynamics

About ADASI

ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and equipment acquisition. We manufacture, operate, and maintain next-generation autonomous capabilities for air, land, and sea, operating in demanding environments. Headquartered in the UAE, we are committed to advancing the region’s technological edge in defense innovation. 

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer – Aerodynamics to join our Engineering & Technology team. In this critical role, you will lead the aerodynamic design, analysis, validation, and integration of UAV platforms to ensure optimal performance, stability, and compliance. You will work at the forefront of unmanned aircraft development, directly influencing airframe shaping, flight characteristics, and multi-disciplinary system-level trade-offs that determine mission success and survivability.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct aerodynamic analysis and modeling of airframes, control surfaces, and payload fairings

• Develop aerodynamic databases for flight simulation, stability, and control system development

• Optimize airframe geometry to enhance lift, drag, control authority, and efficiency

• Translate aerodynamic requirements into system-level performance specifications and interface definitions

• Lead trade studies on shaping, stability margins, and control effectiveness

• Run CFD simulations and correlate data with wind tunnel and flight tests

• Define and support validation campaigns including wind tunnel, ground, and flight tests

• Generate aerodynamic documentation and contribute to airworthiness certification material

• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards including CS-UAS, MIL-STD-1797, and internal protocols

• Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field with emphasis in Aerodynamics (required)

  • Master’s degree in Aerodynamics, CFD, or Flight Mechanics (preferred)

• Experience:

  • Minimum 10+ years in aerodynamics within aerospace, UAV, or defense programs

  • Proven experience in CFD, airframe development, and aerodynamic optimization

  • Exposure to aero-elasticity, control surface sizing, and aerodynamic load evaluation

Technical Tools

• CFD tools: ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM

• CAD platforms: CATIA, NX, SolidWorks

• Flight performance & stability analysis: MATLAB/Simulink, AVL, XFOIL, Athena Vortex Lattice

• Understanding of subsonic/transonic flow, wind tunnel testing, and instrumentation

• Knowledge of UAV-relevant airworthiness standards and performance criteria

Ideal Attributes

• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and mission performance

• Clear communicator with ability to explain complex results to technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Collaborative and comfortable working across engineering disciplines

• Detail-oriented, innovative, and focused on flight safety and regulatory compliance

• Strategic thinking with the ability to assess trade-offs impacting overall system behavior

Why Join ADASI

At ADASI, you'll work with some of the brightest minds in the defense and aerospace industry. We foster a collaborative and high-performance culture where your ideas drive innovation. Whether you're an engineer, strategist, or visionary, you'll find a purpose-driven career that empowers you to make an impact on national security and technology evolution.  Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply now or share this opportunity with someone in your network who might be the perfect fit.