About this role
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
Are you an experienced composite manufacturing professional with a passion for aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering technologies?
HALCON is seeking a Chief Technician – Composite Materials to lead the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of critical composite propulsion hardware used in advanced rocket propulsion systems. This role will be responsible for supervising composite manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement across production operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead composite lay-up, filament winding, curing, and post-cure processing activities for propulsion hardware.
- Supervise the manufacture of composite motor cases, nozzle components, thermal insulation liners, and related structures.
- Oversee assembly and integration of composite components into propulsion subsystems.
- Manage composite tooling, mandrels, moulds, fixtures, and production equipment.
- Ensure compliance with HSE requirements and safe handling of resins, adhesives, solvents, and hazardous materials.
- Review inspection results, NDT findings, and support non-conformance resolution activities.
- Coordinate production schedules, material readiness, and workshop priorities to support program milestones.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing defects including delamination, fibre misalignment, voids, and curing issues.
- Mentor and develop technicians while promoting best practices in composite manufacturing.
- Drive improvements in yield, cycle time reduction, process capability, and waste reduction.
- Maintain manufacturing records, process documentation, and audit readiness.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Technical Diploma or Vocational Qualification in Composite Manufacturing, Materials Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 8 years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience.
- 2-5 Years Experience supervising technicians or manufacturing teams.
- Experience with composite lay-up and curing processes.
- Experience operating autoclaves and managing cure cycles.
- Familiarity with engineering drawings, shop-floor manufacturing processes, and quality inspections.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Rocket motor, missile, space, defense, or aerospace composite manufacturing experience.
- Filament winding experience for motor cases or pressure vessels.
- Experience with thermal protection systems and insulation materials.
- Knowledge of NDT methods and defect analysis.
- AS9100 quality systems experience.
- NADCAP Composite Processing certification.
- Hazardous materials handling certification.
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.