Principal Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor
EDGE
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
HALCON is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Engineer,Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) to provide technical leadership across the design, development, testing, qualification, and optimization of next-generation missile propulsion systems.
This is a critical technical authority role responsible for leading rocket motor design activities, driving innovation in propulsion performance, and guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams through the complete SRM lifecycle. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in solid rocket motor design, internal ballistics, and propulsion simulation with the leadership capability to influence strategy, mentor engineers, and deliver mission-critical programs.
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, optimization, and performance assessment of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) propulsion systems.
Provide technical authority for rocket motor architecture, safety analysis, and subsystem integration.
Review and approve rocket motor designs, ensuring performance, manufacturability, reliability, and safety requirements are achieved.
Plan and execute Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and internal ballistic analyses to validate propulsion performance.
Lead investigations into design anomalies and resolve discrepancies between analytical predictions and test results.
Develop and implement best practices, methodologies, and standards for SRM design, modelling, and simulation activities.
Drive research and development initiatives focused on next-generation propulsion technologies and advanced manufacturing methods.
Support missile system integration by ensuring propulsion performance aligns with overall system requirements.
Review and approve technical reports, design reviews, test reports, and program recommendations.
Mentor and develop propulsion engineers through coaching, technical guidance, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Ensure technical lessons learned, methodologies, and engineering knowledge are documented and institutionalized across the organization.
Support critical design reviews, qualification campaigns, customer interactions, and program milestone activities.
Basic Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in:
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Or a related engineering discipline
Essential Experience
Minimum 10-15 years of experience in Solid Rocket Motor design, development, analysis, or missile propulsion engineering.Demonstrated technical leadership experience within complex defense, aerospace, missile, or space propulsion programs.Extensive experience performing rocket motor performance analysis, internal ballistics modelling, and propulsion system design.Proven experience supporting propulsion development through design, testing, qualification, and production transition phases.
Preferred Qualifications
Led a complete Solid Rocket Motor development and qualification program from concept through flight qualification.
Previous experience as Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer, Technical Authority, or Principal Engineer within missile, guided weapon, or space propulsion programs.
Experience with tactical missile systems, guided munitions, launch vehicles, or space propulsion applications.
Technical Competencies
Solid Rocket Motor Design & Analysis
Internal Ballistics Modelling
CFD Simulation and Performance Analysis
Propellant Chemistry and Energetic Materials
Rocket Motor Safety Assessment
Missile Propulsion Integration
Static Test Planning and Evaluation
Qualification and Verification Activities
Engineering Governance and Technical Reviews
Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Management
Leadership Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Technical Leadership
Advanced Problem Solving
Stakeholder Engagement
Decision Making Under Technical Uncertainty
Mentoring and Capability Development
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
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.