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.