Integration & Test validation engineer (On-site UAE)

Integration Test and Validation Engineer Department: Engineering / Propulsion System IntegrationReports to: Engine Integration Lead (functionally through CTO)Works closely with: Test Operations, Systems Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, ECU/Controls, Fuel Systems, Mechanical Integration, Electrical Integration, Intake AerodynamicsDirect reports: None initially; may supervise technicians, instrumentation engineers, test operators or graduate engineers during test campaigns Role PurposePlans, prepares, executes and closes out the verification and validation work needed to prove an integrated turbojet or turbofan propulsion system meets its functional, performance, safety, operability and customer acceptance requirements. Sits between design engineering and test operations — turns requirements into test plans, procedures, instrumentation specs, pass/fail criteria, readiness reviews and final acceptance reports. Key AccountabilitiesOwn integration test/validation planning across engine, intake, fuel, electrical/ECU and mechanical interfacesTranslate system/customer requirements into verification methods, pass/fail criteria and evidence requirementsDevelop and maintain the Validation Plan, TRR pack, test procedures, test cards, instrumentation list, data processing plan, report templatesDefine instrumentation and data needs (EGT, RPM, fuel pressure/flow, pump command, ECU state, vibration, inlet pressure recovery, distortion indicators, environmental conditions)Control test article configuration before test (engine serial number, ECU software version, fuel/intake config, sensor calibration, deviations)Lead/support Test Readiness Reviews — objectives, safety controls, abort criteria, hazard mitigations, facility and data readinessSupport ground, endurance, transient response, relight/ignition, intake compatibility, customer and production acceptance testingLead post-test data review, anomaly triage, root-cause coordination, formal report releaseMaintain requirements traceability from requirement → method → procedure → data → result → closureDrive continuous improvement of the pass-off process from lessons learnedRequired Technical CompetenciesUnderstanding of gas turbine/turbojet operation (start sequence, acceleration, steady-state, transient response, EGT limits, speed control, shutdown)Experience writing test plans, procedures, acceptance criteria, reports and verification matricesAbility to read system requirements, ICDs, drawings, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, control logic diagramsWorking knowledge of instrumentation/DAQ — calibration, signal validation, sampling rate, data qualityAbility to evaluate engine test data (RPM, EGT, fuel flow/pressure, vibration, ECU states, pump command, inlet pressure, environment)Familiarity with FMEA, hazard analysis, NCRs, test anomaly reporting, engineering change controlAwareness of aerospace governance: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, qualification/acceptance testing, configuration-controlled evidenceEducation & ExperienceMinimum degree: BEng/BSc in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering (or closely related)Preferred degree: Master's in Aerospace, Propulsion, Systems Engineering, Mechanical, Control Systems, or Test/V&V EngineeringGrade 8 experience: ~6–9 years relevant aerospace/propulsion/gas turbine/UAV/test/integration/validation experience; able to independently own defined validation campaignsGrade 9 experience: ~9–12+ years, with demonstrated ownership of complex system-level test/validation programs, customer acceptance evidence, and multi-discipline test readiness authorityPreferred background: aerospace propulsion, UAV propulsion integration, gas turbine testing, engine controls, defense systems test, aircraft systems integration, or high-speed rotating machinery validationGrade 8 vs Grade 9 — the short versionScope: G8 owns defined workstreams/subsystems; G9 owns complete engine/inlet/fuel/electrical campaigns and customer acceptance evidenceAuthority: G8 prepares TRR packs and recommends readiness; G9 chairs TRRs when delegated and acts as senior validation authorityComplexity: G8 adapts existing test methods; G9 develops new validation strategies for novel installations/variants/high-risk scenariosLeadership: G8 coordinates technicians/test operators on assigned tests; G9 mentors engineers and standardizes methods across programsCustomer interface: G8 supports acceptance reviews; G9 leads evidence discussions and defends validation conclusions with customersKey DeliverablesIntegration Validation Plan · V&V/Requirements Traceability Matrix inputs · TRR pack · Test procedures and test cards · Instrumentation/DAQ requirements list · Test article configuration and acceptance checklists · Anomaly reports and disposition inputs · Post-test data review pack · Integration Acceptance Test Report · Lessons-learned actions This role is fully on-site and would require relocation to the UAE.