Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace Components (Remote)

Placements24; O Mente; Remote; EUR 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work opportunity

Health insurance

Career development & conferences

Performance bonuses

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role focused on aerospace components and systems. You will translate complex requirements into robust, high‑performing designs and drive validated solutions with a global team.

You will lead advanced CAD work, conduct FEA analyses, and mentor junior engineers, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with FAA/EASA standards. This remote role offers flexible work in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design for aerospace components and systems.
• Experience using CATIA/V5/V6 and SOLIDWORKS for detail design and manufacturing drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of aerospace components and systems, ensuring regulatory alignment (FAA, EASA).
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Perform stress, fatigue, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure manufacturability.

Skills

Aerospace design experience

FEA analysis

Leadership & mentoring

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SOLIDWORKS

ANSYS

NASTRAN

PATRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished player in the aerospace manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is crucial for the design, development, and validation of critical mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications. You will be responsible for translating complex engineering requirements into robust, high-performance designs that meet stringent industry standards for safety and reliability. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace projects from anywhere within South Africa, leveraging advanced design tools and methodologies. You will collaborate with a global team of experts, driving innovation and ensuring the highest levels of quality and technical excellence. Join a company renowned for its commitment to innovation and its contribution to the advancement of aerospace technology.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design and development of complex aerospace components and systems, ensuring adherence to strict industry specifications and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA). Utilize advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SOLIDWORKS) to create detailed designs, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings for components such as structural elements, mechanisms, and housings. Conduct comprehensive engineering analyses, including stress, fatigue, thermal, and vibration analysis, using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) to validate design integrity under extreme conditions. Collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, materials specialists, manufacturing engineers, and quality assurance teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability. Develop and execute rigorous testing protocols for prototypes and flight hardware, analyzing results, and implementing design modifications as necessary. Manage design documentation, including technical specifications, Material Review Board (MRB) actions, and interface control documents (ICDs). Stay abreast of the latest advancements in aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and design technologies. Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers within the design team. Troubleshoot and resolve complex design and manufacturing issues throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited institution. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on aerospace components and systems. Proficiency in advanced CAD software (CATIA V5/V6, SOLIDWORKS) and advanced FEA analysis tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN/PATRAN). In-depth understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., precision machining, composite fabrication, additive manufacturing), and relevant industry standards. Proven experience in designing for extreme environments, high-reliability applications, and stringent performance requirements. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership capabilities, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment. Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and regulatory frameworks. Experience with DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) principles.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to attract top talent. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy exceptional flexibility and work-life balance, enabling you to work from your preferred location within South Africa. Our client provides extensive opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training, industry conferences, and career advancement paths. Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and performance bonuses are included. You will be part of an elite team working on challenging and groundbreaking aerospace projects, contributing to the future of flight.