Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Advanced Manufacturing Principal Engineer is a senior technical and team-leading role responsible for driving manufacturing process development, industrialization, and NPI execution for Powertech’s propulsion programs, including turbofan, microjet, and piston engines.

This role acts as a technical authority and team leader, supporting greenfield manufacturing setup, advanced machining and fabrication process development, and design-to-manufacture activities. The Principal Engineer works closely with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, design engineering, partners, suppliers, and equipment vendors, while providing day-to-day technical leadership to engineers within the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Process Development & Industrialization

- Lead the development, qualification, and continuous improvement of advanced machining and fabrication processes for rotating and structural engine components.

- Provide technical leadership in advanced manufacturing processes such as precision turning, milling, multi-axis machining, airfoil machining, broaching, grinding, inertia welding, EB welding, forming, and other fabrication processes.

- Define and review manufacturing routings, work instructions, control plans, and inspection strategies.

- Lead or support process validation activities including FAI, PPAP/industrial qualification, and capability studies.

NPI & Program Execution

- Lead manufacturing engineering activities during New Product Introduction (NPI) from prototype through production readiness.

- Support industrialization planning, make/buy decisions, and production ramp-up activities.

- Act as the manufacturing focal point for assigned engine modules or component families.

Design-to-Manufacture & Concurrent Engineering

- Actively support concurrent engineering with design teams to influence part design for manufacturability, quality, and cost.

- Provide manufacturing inputs during design reviews, tolerance definition, material selection, and trade studies.

- Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks early in the development cycle.

Supplier & Partner Technical Support

- Technically support external suppliers and manufacturing partners.

- Lead supplier process reviews, technical alignment, and improvement initiatives.

- Support technology transfer activities from partners to in-house manufacturing.

Technical Leadership & Team Support

- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and day-to-day guidance to manufacturing engineers.

- Support capability development, training, and standardization within the manufacturing engineering team.

- Contribute to best-practice development and continuous improvement initiatives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.

- 15+ years of experience in aerospace or propulsion manufacturing.

- Strong hands-on expertise in advanced machining and/or fabrication of rotating and structural engine components.

- Proven experience supporting NPI, industrialization, and production ramp-up activities.

- Proficiency in CAD/CAM systems and hands-on experience in CNC programming for manufacturing process definition, toolpath development, and manufacturability assessment.

- Working knowledge of machining simulation and optimization software, such as Vericut, Third Wave, CutPro, or equivalent, for collision checking, cycle time optimization, and process validation.

- Practical knowledge of cutting tools, inserts, tool holders and cutting strategies for aerospace alloys (e.g., titanium, nickel-based superalloys, aluminum, steels).

- Understanding of fixture concepts, work-holding methods, and shop-floor best practices.

- Experience leading technical activities, mentoring engineers, and providing day-to-day technical guidance.

- Ability to work effectively with design, quality, supply chain, partners, and equipment vendors in a concurrent engineering environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

- 15+ years of experience in aerospace or propulsion manufacturing.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.