Safran.AI is seeking a Forward Technical Representative in Abu Dhabi to be the main technical liaison for prospects, clients and partners across the Middle East and North Africa, capable of demonstrating the value of Safran.AI solutions from technical and business angles. You will lead technical scoping with the Sales Manager, drive delivery with Product, Engineering, Deployment and Support, and build trusted client relationships while mitigating risks and running proofs of concept. Requirements include 5+ years in defense and intelligence solution engineering or similar senior roles, international exposure (MEA preferred), fluent English, and strong communication. Skills in Python, FastAPI, Docker, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, Terraform, AWS, and on-premises or geospatial integrations are a plus. To apply, tailor your CV to show client-facing delivery, PoCs, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration, plus a record of delivering on time and within budget.
Safran.AI – Artificial Intelligence operating in the real world
A subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, Safran.AI designs AI solutions applied to complex data such as high-resolution satellite imagery, FMV (Full Motion Video) streams, and acoustic signals. These solutions rely on advanced algorithms capable of automatically detecting and identifying objects of interest in the fields of intelligence, defense, and aerospace.
Since joining the Safran Group in September 2024, Safran.AI has also been contributing to the Group’s transformation by applying AI solutions to Industry 4.0 challenges. For example, AI-powered automated image analysis can support inspectors responsible for checking critical components by helping them detect potential anomalies from digital images.
With a team of 250 employees, you will join passionate and multidisciplinary teams bringing together some of the most recognized talents in the industry, all driven by the same commitment to excellence and technological innovation.
Key Challenges of the Role
As a Forward Technical Representative based in Abu Dhabi, you are the primary technical point of contact for our prospects, clients, and partners in the Middle East and North Africa region. Thanks to your experience with defence and intelligence solutions, you are able to independently demonstrate the value of Safran.AI solutions, from both a technical and functional standpoint.
Working alongside a Sales Manager also based in Abu Dhabi, you lead the technical scoping of business opportunities in order to propose high value-added solutions
In close collaboration with the Product, Engineering, Deployment, and Support teams, you drive the delivery of commitments made, ensure the quality of deliverables, and contribute to the implementation of high value-added solutions, fully aligned with our clients’ challenges and needs.
Your Activities and Responsibilities
In support of business development ambitions:
Engages with prospects to understand their business challenges, operational needs, and desired outcomes, translating them into functional requirements
Designs economically viable solutions, aligned with business objectives and technical constraints, drawing on in-depth knowledge of Safran.AI’s existing products, technologies, and expertise
Collaborates with the engineering teams to build and validate business proposals
Builds trusted relationships with clients by sharing Safran.AI’s defence and intelligence expertise and supporting stakeholders toward successful adoption of the solutions
Identifies technical risks and, where necessary, mitigates them through proofs of concept.
During project execution:
Technical lead for the engagement, ensuring engineering is aligned with the objectives
Responsible for technical exchanges with clients, ensuring discussions are at the appropriate level and take business challenges into account
End-to-end responsible for delivery, driving projects to completion on time, within budget, and to the expected quality level
Continuously manages delivery planning, staffing requests, and risk management, adapting the roadmap to business constraints
Provides progress updates, ensuring that risks and schedule changes are escalated promptly along with recommended mitigation measures
Promotes and applies company methodologies, continuously identifying opportunities for improvement.
On the Tech Side
Our development teams use robust technologies such as Python, FastAPI, Typescript, Docker, PostgreSQL, Nomad, Kubernetes, Ansible, Terraform, Grafana, PyTorch, AWS, Notion, Slack
We are first and foremost a software publisher, while also being fully capable of supporting our clients on integration and infrastructure challenges according to their needs. Our scope of intervention thus covers everything from providing ready-to-use Docker images to deploying a sovereign data centre, including the integration of our solutions within third-party systems such as GIS platforms, data platforms, or command software.
About You
You are passionate about innovative technologies and client relationships, enjoy international environments, and wish to grow within the demanding and stimulating world of defence:
You have at least 5 years of professional experience, including a successful first experience as a Solution Engineer in the defence and intelligence field. Profiles such as Tech Lead, Engineering Manager, Architect, or Technical Project Manager with a solid track record and an affinity for client contact will also be considered with interest
You have significant international exposure, ideally in the Middle East
You are proficient in English, both written and spoken
You have excellent communication and presentation skills
You demonstrate strong organizational skills and autonomy
Ideally, you have experience with internet-disconnected on-premises deployments, integrations within enterprise information systems, and the geospatial or defence sector.