Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
CORE COMPETENCIES
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Kareem Eltanany

Lead – Rapid Development and Advanced Autonomous Systems
Damac Hills 2 Villa #18

Summary

Experienced defense technologist and UAV systems leader specializing in advanced autonomous systems, military UAV development, and additive manufacturing (AM). Proven track record in leading innovation labs, executing tactical UAV projects, and building scalable platforms for surveillance, ISR, target acquisition, and rapid response. Expert in R&D, flight testing, AI integration, and defense-compliant prototyping workflows.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead – UAV Innovation & Advanced Systems

EDGE Group – ADASI - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
09.2024 - Current
  • Directed end-to-end development of tactical UAVs, including FPV rocket drones, long-endurance ISR units, and gyro-stabilized gimbal platforms.
  • Established and managed ADASI’s Innovation & Training Lab, overseeing projects in AI autonomy, swarm control, and 3D-printed UAV fuselages.
  • Delivered UAV pilot training and simulation systems through Sky Edge Academy – focusing on defense-grade operations, reconnaissance, and field maintenance.
  • Led defense integration programs with modular 3D-printed payload mounts and combat-optimized UAV components.
  • Collaborated with procurement, engineering, and MoD technical evaluation teams for compliance, deployment testing, and capability demonstrations.

Senior Advanced Technology Innovation Officer

DigitalX - Government Entity
02.2024 - Current
  • Responsibilities:
  • - Lead and manage the development of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) prototypes, ensuring high standards in design, functionality, and performance.
  • - Oversee the implementation and advancement of 3D printing technologies, facilitating rapid prototyping and efficient production processes.
  • - Direct and coordinate projects involving both manned and unmanned systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • - Integrate open-source ChatGPT into various platforms, enhancing system intelligence and user interaction capabilities.
  • - Supervise the design, development, and deployment of FPV (First-Person View) drones, focusing on security, search and rescue, reconnaissance and surveillance applications and advanced functionalities.
  • - Manage cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments.
  • Key Achievements:
  • - Successfully led the prototyping and development of several advanced UAV models, improving operational efficiency and capabilities.
  • - Spearheaded the integration of cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, resulting in a 30% reduction in production time.
  • - Developed comprehensive solutions for both manned and unmanned systems, enhancing safety, reliability, and performance.
  • - Implemented innovative ChatGPT integration projects, significantly improving system responsiveness and user engagement.
  • - Directed the creation and deployment of military-grade FPV drones, achieving high standards of performance and reliability.
  • Skills:
  • - UAV Prototyping and Development
  • - 3D Printing Technologies
  • - Manned and Unmanned Systems Management
  • - Open Source ChatGPT Integration
  • - FPV Drone Design and Deployment
  • - Team Leadership and Project Management
  • - Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • - Regulatory Compliance and Standards Adherence

Additive Manufacturing Technologies  Architect 

3D RipRap  
01.2023 - 11.2023
  • Additive Manufacturing Technologies Architect
  • scope of work and responsibilities:
  • Additive manufacturing technologies architect.
  • Manage different prototype design analysis (Aviation-Architecture-Drones-Medical)
  • Train Technical Support engineers online/onsite
  • Train Basic 3D printing basics and guidelines to graduate and undergraduate engineers.
  • Basic 3D printer Troubleshooting (FDM, SLA, MSLA, SLS, SLM and FJM)
  • Restock and purchase analysis.
  • Trend research and technology follow up on monthly basis for new emerging technologies.
  • Software, printers, filaments, designs and model making techniques. (UAE/Saudi)
  • Government projects contracts and timeline coordination.
  • Social media content and marketing analysis.• Business Consultancies, distribution offers, and startup management.• Online sales channels listing strategies
  • Hiring (only Engineering)
  • Maintain healthy and constant creative atmosphere environment.• Manage all third-party legal contract including EPC.
  • FPV drones manufacturing and falconry pilots Training.
  • Certified Drone/Unarmed drone Pilot.
  • 3D printing materials research and understanding.
  • 2D Screen printing experience, posters and large format posters
  • CNC and Router work management.
  • Prototype Engineering
  • Concept Analysis
  • Material Studies
  • Online marketing Content
  • Coaching design teams from design to manufacturing models using advanced modeling technologies.
  • Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
  • Controlled costs and optimized spending via restructuring of budgets for labor, capital assets, inventory purchasing and technology upgrades.
  • Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
  • Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results
  • Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment

Technical Officer/Drone Pilot - Business Partner

Setterox
12.2021 - 01.2023
  • Conducted pre-flight checks and ensured the drone was in proper working order before each flight
  • Carried out missions as directed by management, including but not limited to aerial photography, videography, search & rescue operations, etc.
  • Communicated with ground crew regarding weather conditions prior to flights and maintained a professional demeanor at all times while on duty
  • Maintained an awareness of surroundings during flight operation and reported any safety concerns or hazards immediately upon discovery
  • Followed company policies and procedures for safe flying practices and adhered to GCAA,DCAA,DFTC,MOD regulations regarding commercial drone use
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • VTOL UAV Consultancies, manufacturing and assemblies.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Practical training on Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing).
  • Responsible for 3D Printing parts to validate concepts (Surveillance, military and other government projects
  • Designed and manufactured high-quality housing for medical devices through 3D printing. Created computer models of internal components, including circuit boards, to ensure perfect fit and proper cooling.
  • Leading in all drone related prototype designs, simulations and production from concept to as built autonomous drones with multiple government entities.
  • Trained fresh graduate engineers to utilize fusion 360.
  • Spoke with peers to verify task completion, meeting tight deadlines, and schedules.
  • Chaired partner meetings to drive discussion of matters important to firm operations, keeping discourse on-topic and moving at efficient pace.
  • Assisted external legal counsel with review of pleadings and provided subject matter expertise.
  • Recruited, trained and mentored attorneys, paralegals and support staff to strengthen legal team.
  • Collaborated with colleagues and support staff to maximize team efficiency.

<p>Facade Architect/Package Manager (EIFS-Specialist)</p>

Consolidated Contractors International Company.
05.2017 - 08.2019

1- Preparing set of drawings for concerned design projects.

2- Reviewing & approving the architectural shop drawings, coordination between other disciplines.

3- Reviewing the material submittals for the project, Samples catalogues technical data, and any proposed materials, and design alternatives.

4- Presenting the drawings for the client's approval and handling any objectives with drawn by the clients to totally fulfill their needs

5- Directly responsible for monitoring the execution process and solving any problem upon occurring.

6- Ensure that all works are carried out to specific standards, building codes, guidelines and regulations

7- Make on site visits to check on project status and report on project

8- Cooperate and liaise with construction professionals

9- Follow architectural trends and advancements

10- Supported BIM Department thru out in terms of Architectural, Structural calculations and safe modeling.

11- Co-ordinate with structural engineering department all required calculation, GA and safe modeling and software analysis.

<p>Co-Founder </p> <p></p>

Architrive Desgin Studio 
08.2017

  • Executed Business plan and branding package in a team work environment.
  • Art work and media consultancies.
  • 3D printing consultancies.
  • Guided design process of various packages.
  • Guided a group of undergraduate architecture students in various academic courses.   

<p>Administrative Manager </p> <p></p>

Almasa Advocates and Legal consultants 
01.2015
  • Client and consultant legal adviser
  • Created and integrated web system to allow clients to direct FAQs
  • Provide assistance to lawyers and legal consultants in contractual contract and arbitration in claims (English)

Education

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Canadian University Dubai 
05.2010 -

Skills

Flame-Thrower Drone (V1-V3): Designed, prototyped, and tested tactical drones equipped with stabilized flame systems for high-intensity response scenarios

UGV/RTV series: Unmanned Tactical Ground vehicles with onboard payload 76x/76Fly

Gyro-Stabilized Gimbal Drone (FPV Gun Platform): Oversaw development of FPV drone with gyro-mounted weaponry for live-tracking and precision response

FPV Rocket Drone: Integrated multi-motor transition system for vertical-to-forward flight using EDF propulsion

3D Printed Rapid UAV Kits: Led design and in-field validation of modular UAV frames and mounts for defense deployment

Pilot Training & Simulation (Sky Edge Academy): Established defense-specific training curriculum with simulation and field ops for FPV, VTOL, and fixed-wing platforms

Drone Assembly & Repair Facility: Designed logistics and inventory process for scalable UAV fleet readiness, integrating AM repair workflows

Vortex Rockets Series: FPV guided rockets integrated with AI target tracking and attacking

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • UAV Prototyping & Rapid Deployment
  • Vendor Evaluation & Field Testing – Assessing external suppliers of autonomous systems for technical fit, reliability, and integration feasibility
  • Additive Manufacturing for Tactical Systems
  • AI-Driven Navigation & Target Detection
  • Multi-role UAV Platforms: FPV, VTOL, Fixed-Wing
  • Modular Frame Engineering & Thermal Payload Integration
  • Defense Compliance: UAE MoD, ITAR
  • Innovation Lab & Simulation Training Leadership

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

🎖 Certified UAV/FPV Drone Pilot – Fixed-wing, VTOL, multirotor, and tactical drones
🛠 Advanced 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing – FDM, SLA, SLS, composite prototyping
📡 UAV Systems & AI Autonomy – Object detection, UAV mission AI, command logic training
📚 UAE MoD Regulations & Export Control Readiness

Software

Platforms: Pixhawk, iNav, ArduPilot, SpeedyBee, Jetson Nano, OSD

Software: Fusion 360, Revit, BetaFlight, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD

3D Printing: FDM, SLA, MSLA, SLS, SLM, composite carbon AM

Telemetry: Microhard P400, encrypted C2 links, MAVLink, OSD telemetry

Design & Simulation: Mission Planner, UAV Toolbox, Digital Twin UAV simulation

Interests

Timeline

Lead – UAV Innovation & Advanced Systems

EDGE Group – ADASI - Abu Dhabi
09.2024 - Current

Senior Advanced Technology Innovation Officer

DigitalX - Government Entity
02.2024 - Current

Additive Manufacturing Technologies  Architect 

3D RipRap  
01.2023 - 11.2023

Technical Officer/Drone Pilot - Business Partner

Setterox
12.2021 - 01.2023

<p>Co-Founder </p> <p></p>

Architrive Desgin Studio 
08.2017

<p>Facade Architect/Package Manager (EIFS-Specialist)</p>

Consolidated Contractors International Company.
05.2017 - 08.2019

<p>Administrative Manager </p> <p></p>

Almasa Advocates and Legal consultants 
01.2015

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Canadian University Dubai 
05.2010 -
Kareem EltananyLead – Rapid Development and Advanced Autonomous Systems