UAE Technical Leader
The Exploration Company
Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.
We are a pioneering company with European roots that is dedicated to advancing international collaboration in space exploration. As we expand our global presence, we are establishing a strong technical footprint in the UAE to support on-ground lunar lander demonstrations, as well as other space technology development targeted towards the Middle East region and beyond.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Leader in the UAE to drive projects end-to-end, building and leading a team to execute complex, multidisciplinary space demonstrations and projects. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strategic foresight, hands-on technical leadership from design to testing, and the ability to scale operations in a rapidly growing space sector in the UAE.
We are open to relocating the right candidate from abroad to the UAE to join us in building these exciting projects.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Technical & Project Leadership
Lead all technical activities of the company’s UAE operations, ensuring on-time, high-quality execution.
Oversee the design, development, assembly, and testing of UAE-based space systems.
Lead the end-to-end execution of the lunar lander on-ground demonstration in the UAE, including test site preparation and control center setup.
Establish technical workflows and processes for UAE-based projects.
Collaborate with our European-based counterparts across all sub-systems (e.g. propulsion, GNC, avionics, flight software, etc.)
Ensure compliance with international space standards and UAE regulatory requirements.
2. UAE Team Building & Management
Hire, train, and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and specialists.
Partner with the Chief Commercial Officer/Regional CEO to build out the company's UAE subsidiary into one of the company's key technical hubs.
Foster a high-performance culture, ensuring efficient collaboration across teams.
Collaborate with variety of UAE ecosystem players to help build local expertise in the regional ecosystem
3. Technical Partner for Regional Business Development
Partner with the Chief Commercial Officer/Regional CEO to develop regional business for space technologies and space components.
Serve as the technical representative for the company in UAE-based space collaborations.
Support long-term strategic growth of the regional space sector, positioning the company as a key player in regional space initiatives.
What we would love to see from you:
Technical Expertise
10+ years in aerospace engineering, space systems development, or related fields.
Deep knowledge of space hardware, avionics, sensors, spacecraft propulsion, or launch systems.
Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of space hardware.
Familiarity with mission control center operations and ground support systems.
Project & Leadership Skills
Proven track record of leading complex space projects from design to execution.
Experience scaling technical teams and managing cross-functional space projects.
Ability to navigate complex regulatory and procurement processes in the UAE.
Desirable:
Experience with lunar or LEO exploration missions, launcher technology development or deep space systems.
Knowledge of ground station and mission control center operations.
Familiarity with UAE space ecosystem, government policies, and local partnerships is a plus
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Arabic speaker is a plus.
Why you should join us!
What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:
We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?
We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.
