Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer for a hybrid role in Randburg, Gauteng. You will lead stress analyses, develop structural concepts, and drive airworthiness compliance across complex aerospace projects.

The position requires a Master’s degree and 8+ years of experience, with expertise in FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus) and composite materials. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to advance engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aeronautical/ mechanical/ civil with aerospace focus.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency with FEA software (ANSYS/NASTRAN/Abaqus).
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aircraft load conditions and fatigue testing.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams.
• Experience with composites is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed stress analysis on aircraft structures using FEA.
• Conduct fatigue, fracture mechanics, and damage tolerance analysis.
• Develop structural design concepts and ensure airworthiness compliance.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and other engineers.
• Create and validate structural models and simulations for various loads.
• Prepare reports and presentations for design reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Support qualification and certification with authorities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical growth.
• Investigate structural failures and propose corrective actions.
• Stay updated on materials, manufacturing and analysis advances.
• Contribute to company standards and best practices.

Skills

Airframe structural analysis

Fatigue & durability analysis

Team leadership

Strong communication

Problem solving

Materials knowledge

Composite materials knowledge

Aerospace certification knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical/Civil with aerospace focus

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the South African aerospace landscape, is seeking an experienced Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their esteemed engineering team in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This role is fundamental to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components, ensuring their integrity, safety, and performance under various operational loads. You will work on exciting projects, utilizing advanced analysis techniques and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers. The position requires a strong foundation in structural mechanics, materials science, and a comprehensive understanding of aerospace structural design principles. We are looking for a proactive and skilled engineer who is passionate about aircraft structures and committed to upholding the highest standards of engineering excellence. This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring both on-site presence and remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed stress analysis on aircraft primary and secondary structures using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Conduct fatigue, fracture mechanics, and damage tolerance analysis to assess structural life and reliability.
• Develop structural design concepts and ensure compliance with airworthiness requirements and industry standards.
• Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and other specialists throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create and validate structural models and simulations for static, dynamic, and thermal loads.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and presentations for design reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Support the qualification and certification of structural designs with relevant authorities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth and development.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of advancements in materials, manufacturing technologies, and structural analysis methods relevant to aerospace.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of company standards and best practices for structural engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering (with an aerospace focus), or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience specifically in aircraft structural analysis and design.
• Expertise in using FEA software packages such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and failure mechanisms.
• Familiarity with aircraft load conditions, fatigue testing, and durability requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and lead technical efforts.
• Experience with composite materials and their analysis is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification standards and processes is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in **South Africa** and available for a hybrid work arrangement in **Randburg, Gauteng**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and ample opportunities for career progression in the aviation sector.

Employees benefit from working on challenging projects, accessing state-of-the-art tools, and engaging in continuous professional development.

The role is based in **Randburg, Gauteng**, a major economic hub.

This hybrid position involves regular collaboration at our client's **Randburg** facility while allowing for some remote work flexibility.