Chief Technician – Solid Rocket Motors

Chief Technician – Solid Rocket Motors
Work arrangement: Full-time, on-site | Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced precision manufacturing professional to lead and support the production of metallic hardware and mechanical subassemblies for solid rocket motor programs. The role focuses on translating engineering drawings into high-quality manufactured parts, maintaining dimensional accuracy and traceability, and supporting safe, efficient workshop operations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and perform precision machining and fabrication of complex metallic components and mechanical hardware.
Set up, program, and operate CNC turning, milling, drilling, and related machining equipment, as required.
Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements to ensure parts are manufactured to specification.
Plan and oversee manufacturing activities, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, and production priorities.
Carry out or oversee dimensional inspection using appropriate metrology equipment, and maintain inspection and traceability records.
Support mechanical assembly and integration of metallic subassemblies.
Review manufacturability and provide practical feedback to design engineers on tolerances, materials, and assembly requirements.
Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for manufacturing non-conformances.
Guide and mentor workshop technicians; promote safe working practices, quality, and continuous improvement.
Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams on materials, outsourced work, delivery status, and quality requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
Diploma or technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Precision Engineering, or a related field.
Typically 13+ years of hands-on precision metal manufacturing experience in aerospace, defense, or high-performance mechanical engineering.
Significant senior-level experience in CNC machining, particularly turning and milling of precision or structurally critical components.
Strong ability to read engineering drawings and apply GD&T, dimensional inspection, and manufacturing quality practices.
Experience leading or mentoring machinists/technicians and coordinating workshop activities.
Knowledge of material traceability, inspection documentation, and aerospace-quality practices.
Preferred Experience
Experience manufacturing solid rocket motor hardware or comparable high-consequence components, such as pressure-vessel or aerospace structural hardware.
Exposure to specialist processes such as flow forming, tube spinning, forging, ring rolling, heat treatment, welding, or brazing.
Experience with CMM, CAM software, aerospace first-article inspection, and difficult-to-machine alloys.

Work arrangement
No