Principal Engineer - System Engineer
EDGE Group is hiring a Principal Engineer - System Engineer in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Level rates it ; you can apply on Level.
AI in this role
Leads definition, architecture, and integration of high-performance real-time embedded software systems for aerospace and defense.
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
Halcon is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer: Software (Embedded Software System Engineer) to lead the definition, architecture, and integration of high-performance real-time embedded software systems.
The role serves as the technical authority bridging system requirements, software architecture, hardware interfaces, and software development teams.The successful candidate will drive software system engineering activities, ensure compliance with system requirements, mentor engineers, and support the development of scalable and safety-critical embedded solutions for advanced defense and aerospace platforms.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Translate high-level system requirements into detailed software requirements and maintain end-to-end requirements traceability.
- Define software architectures, interface control documents, and hardware/software integration strategies for real-time embedded systems.
- Act as the technical authority and liaison between software engineers, systems engineers, hardware engineers, and project stakeholders.
- Lead software system engineering activities, technical reviews, mentoring, and capability development of junior engineers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in embedded software engineering, preferably within defense, military, aerospace, or aviation environments.
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a Software Architect, Software System Engineer, or Technical Lead.
- Strong knowledge of software system engineering, requirements management, traceability tools (e.g., Jama), and embedded hardware/software integration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience in certifying safety-critical software to DO-178C Level A or equivalent standards.
- Expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SCADE, safety-critical middleware, FPGA interfacing, and embedded communication protocols.
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.
How we rate this
Principal Engineer - System Engineer at EDGE Group rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Open the description and count.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where embedded software was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where system engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where software architecture was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where requirements management was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Jama in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Embedded Software, System Engineering, Software Architecture, Requirements Management, and Jama. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
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