R&D Hybrid & Hydrogen Senior Engineer

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

Lead exploratory and applied research and development into next-generation UAV/RPAS propulsion — battery-electric, hybrid-electric (ICE + electric), and hydrogen (fuel cell and/or hydrogen combustion) powertrains. The objective is to build Powertech’s technology base and product options beyond conventional internal combustion, sized to the platform classes addressed by the P-series portfolio.

This is a forward-looking, hands-on engineering role spanning technology scouting, concept design, modelling, and prototyping — working closely with the Powertech Italy facility, the Test team, and external technology partners

Technology Roadmap & Scouting

• Roadmap — build and maintain Powertech’s new-propulsion roadmap (electric, hybrid, hydrogen) aligned to platform needs.
• Scouting & benchmarking — track technology and suppliers (electric motors, controllers/inverters, batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen storage) and benchmark competitor approaches.

Concept Design & Feasibility

• Concepts — develop concepts and feasibility studies for electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen powertrains sized to UAV platform classes.
• Trade studies — run trade studies on endurance, weight, power-to-weight, thermal management, packaging, cost, and safety.

Modelling & Analysis

• Powertrain modelling — model and size powertrains and energy systems; perform mission/energy, thermal, and integration analysis.
• Tools — use first-principles engineering and simulation (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python) to support design decisions.

Prototyping & Testing

• Demonstrators — design, build, and test demonstrators and bench rigs; be hands-on in the lab and test cell.
• Test coordination — coordinate test campaigns with the Test team and the Italy facility, including instrumentation and data analysis.

Partner & Supplier Coordination

• Partnerships — work with technology partners, suppliers, and universities; frequent coordination and on-site work at the Italy facility.
• Supplier R&D — manage R&D supplier relationships and joint development activities.

IP, Documentation & Hand-off

• IP & reports — capture intellectual property and produce technical reports, concept definitions, and data to inform product decisions.
• Hand-off — transition validated concepts toward product development with the relevant Product Manager.

Essential

• Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, or Mechatronics Engineering (Master’s/PhD desirable).
• 5+ years in propulsion or powertrain R&D, including hands-on work in at least one of electric, hybrid-electric, or hydrogen systems.
• Strong first-principles engineering, modelling, and prototyping ability.
• Demonstrated ability to take a technology from concept through feasibility to working demonstrator.

• Fuel cells, hydrogen storage and safety, or hydrogen combustion experience.
• Battery systems, electric motor / inverter integration, and hybrid powertrain control.
• UAV/aerospace propulsion; functional safety for high-voltage or…