Engineering Workpackage Manager

About Thales in UAE

Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thales is a global leader where diverse talent collaborates to develop innovative aerospace, defense, security, transportation, and space solutions. For over five decades, Thales has partnered with the UAE, delivering advanced technology in defence, aerospace, cyber, and digital domains aligned with the nation's vision. With over 500 employees across three local offices, Thales Emarat Technologies plays a crucial role in promoting national sovereignty, self-reliance, and innovation, supporting the UAE's growth through localization, strategic partnerships, and exporting technologies worldwide.

Job Objective

The Engineering Work Package Manager (WPM) will oversee the entire project engineering lifecycle for the radio communication system. Responsibilities include managing development activities, handling risks and opportunities, coordinating scheduling, and ensuring timely delivery and performance milestones. This role demands technical expertise and leadership to guide a multi-disciplinary team towards delivering quality engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering team to successfully deliver the project solution.
• Define and maintain efficient delivery processes.
• Monitor and control technical debt and its impact on planning and delivery timelines.
• Manage co-contracting and subcontracting partnerships.
• Foster cross-team and stakeholder collaboration.
• Engage closely with customers to provide high-quality engineering solutions and ensure satisfaction.
• Contribute to future Thales group products through innovative input.
• Work on challenging and disruptive projects spanning multiple engineering disciplines, including solution architecture, system engineering, software development, and integration testing (IVVQ).

Technical and Project Management

The role requires expertise in radio communication technologies and system/radio hosting infrastructure. The incumbent will also handle financial management, planning, and reporting, anticipating potential challenges and opportunities for their team.

Work Environment and Location

This position is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The candidate will coordinate with multiple project teams including system engineering, infrastructure and cybersecurity, and IVVQ to meet project goals.

Experience and Skills

• Proven background with at least 5 years in work package or project management roles, ideally with experience managing teams exceeding 20 members.
• Strong expertise delivering complex systems involving software, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and geographically dispersed integrated teams.
• Well-versed in project management methodologies such as scheduling, risk management, effort estimation, progress reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working within multicultural and multi-disciplinary environments.
• Skilled in producing engineering documentation including specifications, designs, IVVQ deliverables, and user manuals.

Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex technical engineering projects while effectively balancing risks and opportunities.
• Ability to make informed trade-offs between technical solutions, delivery timelines, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Capability to engage, influence, and align diverse stakeholders around clear, attainable objectives.
• Decisiveness in uncertain or ambiguous situations.

Preferred Domain Knowledge

• Expertise in radio and tactical data link systems.
• Familiarity with communication networks.
• Understanding infrastructure and IT solutions.
• Experience with mission-critical systems such as command and control (C2/C4).
• Handling large-scale, complex systems.

Educational and Certification Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related university qualification.
• Minimum five years’ experience in roles such as Engineering Manager, Technical Project Manager, or Software Engineering Manager.
• Certifications like IPMA or PMP are advantageous.
• Fluency in English and French languages.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Commitment to personal and team safety, using appropriate safety equipment and personal protective gear as required.

Growth and Career Opportunities

Thales offers career development opportunities both locally and internationally, promoting mobility within its global operations of 80,000 employees across 68 countries. Flexible work approaches are embraced to foster a productive work environment.