A clean sheet autonomous aircraft with full internal capability across design manufacturing flight controls autonomy
Chief Engineer (Flight Controls & Autonomy)
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Relocation Required)
Industry: Advanced Aerospace & Manufacturing
Package: $250,000 – 320,000 USD base + 30–60% annual bonus + ESOP
All TAX free
Relocation: Full executive relocation package including paid housing, schools, business-class flights, and visa sponsorship (Around $100,000 USD)
Type: Full-time | On-site | Permanent
Company Overview
The company is developing a clean sheet autonomous aircraft with full internal capability across design manufacturing flight controls autonomy and certification. This is a flagship leadership role shaping the entire flight control and autonomy ecosystem for a next generation program based in Dubai.
Role Summary
Executive level position reporting to the CTO. Responsible for the technical strategy architecture certification and delivery of all flight control and autonomy systems. Leads multidisciplinary engineering teams and works directly with UAE aviation regulators on certification pathways for autonomous operations.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
• Own the full architecture and vision for flight controls guidance navigation and autonomy
• Define control laws state estimation redundancy and system safety
• Oversee simulation digital twin model based development and hardware in the loop
• Ensure integration with avionics propulsion sensors actuators and mission systems
Certification and Compliance
• Lead airworthiness and certification efforts aligned with UAE GCAA and Middle East regulatory frameworks
• Define compliance plans for autonomy detect and avoid and safety critical software
• Engage with regulators to shape certification pathways for advanced autonomous aircraft
Team and Program Leadership
• Build and lead world class teams across flight controls GNC autonomy embedded software and systems engineering
• Drive design reviews integration flight test readiness and root cause resolution
• Ensure high quality documentation verification and validation throughout the program
Required Experience
• Fifteen plus years in flight controls GNC autonomy or related disciplines
• Deep expertise in control theory flight dynamics navigation algorithms and real time embedded systems
• Proven experience delivering safety critical airborne systems
• Strong leadership experience managing technical teams and complex programs
• Experience with new aircraft development UAV or advanced air mobility preferred
• Exposure to GCAA or Middle East regulatory environments is beneficial but not essential
Personal Attributes
• Strong technical authority and systems thinking
• Clear communicator comfortable with executives and regulators
• Decisive calm and able to lead high performing teams
• Passionate about the future of autonomous aviation
Please reach out to seb@profounbdpeople.com.au for more info