R&D Technician - Avionics

About the role

The R&D Technician - Avionics builds, integrates, tests and maintains the electrical and electronic systems of R&D prototypes such as UAVs, UAV launch systems, ground control stations and other ground equipment. The technician works hands-on with avionics engineers from the first prototype to flight test, and acts as the bridge between R&D and Production by helping transfer designs to the assembly team.

Key responsibilities

• Build wiring harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and pin-out tables, and install avionics in airframes and ground systems.
• Assemble and wire ground equipment such as ground control stations, antenna and tracker set-ups, launcher control and power boxes, test benches and test rigs.
• Route and protect cables, apply shielding and grounding, and perform soldering and PCB rework on prototype boards.
• Test harnesses and assemblies, load firmware and parameters, calibrate sensors and actuators, and run bench tests and hardware-in-the-loop setups.
• Find and repair electrical faults, support ground and flight tests, and keep prototypes and ground equipment ready for test.
• Maintain prototype records, manage LiPo and Li-ion batteries safely, and keep stocks of connectors, wire and spare parts.
• Build pilot production units, write and validate photo-based work instructions, prepare test procedures, train assembly staff and sign them off.
• Keep the workshop clean and safe, follow ESD and battery safety rules, and ensure tools and test equipment are calibrated.

Required profile

• Diploma, associate degree or technical certificate in electronics, electrical engineering, avionics, mechatronics or aircraft maintenance.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in electronics or avionics assembly, integration or maintenance; UAV, aerospace, defence, automotive or robotics experience preferred.
• An avionics maintenance licence or military avionics experience is an advantage, as is experience training others or writing work instructions.
• Careful, patient and logical, able to work calmly in a small team with changing priorities; good spoken and written English.
• Must pass company security screening; a valid UAE driving licence is an advantage.

Required skills

• Reading wiring diagrams, schematics, pin-out tables and harness drawings.
• High-quality crimping and soldering, including JST, Molex, D-sub and circular connectors.
• Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies and insulation testers.
• Basic knowledge of DC power systems, batteries, electric motors, ESCs and data buses (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet).
• Desirable: PX4 or ArduPilot with QGroundControl or Mission Planner, CAN bus tools, SMD rework, RF systems, basic Linux command line, and experience with ground control stations or launcher electrical systems.