Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Company-provided laptop

Remote work setup support

Professional growth opportunities

Exposure to advanced aerospaceProjects

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a dynamic aerospace manufacturer to fill an Aircraft Structures Engineer role in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The position blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility and focuses on the design, analysis and testing of aircraft structural components to meet stringent safety standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in structural mechanics, materials science and FEA, with proficiency in ANSYS or NASTRAN and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with structures focus.
• 4+ years in aircraft structural design/analysis.
• Proficient with FEA software (ANSYS/NASTRAN) and CAD tools (CATIA/SolidWorks).
• Knowledge of composites and metallic materials used in aerospace.
• Familiarity with FAR Part 25/CS 25 standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components using FEA tools.
• Develop technical specs and drawings for structural parts and assemblies.
• Conduct stress, fatigue and vibration analyses for structural integrity.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to implement designs accurately.
• Work with systems and aerodynamics teams to integrate structures.
• Support static and dynamic testing activities.
• Investigate issues identified during testing or operations and resolve them.
• Prepare reports with analysis results and recommendations.
• Ensure designs meet aviation regulations and certification requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements in structural design methods.

Skills

Structural analysis

Fatigue analysis

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (Structures)

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic aerospace manufacturing company, is seeking a highly motivated Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their team in Welkom, Free State, ZA. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be responsible for the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and performance standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in structural mechanics, materials science, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer passionate about contributing to the development and integrity of advanced aerospace structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components using advanced engineering software, including FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).


• Develop detailed technical specifications and drawings for structural parts and assemblies.


• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and vibration analysis to ensure structural integrity under various load conditions.


• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient and accurate implementation of designs.


• Work closely with other engineering disciplines (e.g., systems, aerodynamics) to integrate structural designs.


• Support testing activities, including static and dynamic load testing of structures.


• Investigate and resolve structural issues identified during manufacturing, testing, or in-service operations.


• Prepare technical reports documenting analysis, results, and recommendations.


• Ensure all designs comply with relevant aviation regulations and certification requirements (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA).


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural design processes and methodologies.


• Participate in design reviews and provide expert input on structural integrity matters.


• Stay abreast of new materials, technologies, and design techniques in aerospace structures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structures.


• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.


• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) and CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).


• Solid understanding of composite materials, metallic alloys, and their mechanical properties relevant to aerospace applications.


• Knowledge of aircraft structural testing procedures and equipment.


• Familiarity with aviation industry standards and regulations (e.g., FAR Part 25, CS 25).


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.


• Experience with certification processes for aircraft structures is a plus.


• Adaptability to a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site and remote tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package for the Welkom, Free State, ZA location.


• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.


• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a cutting-edge industry.


• Exposure to innovative aerospace projects.


• Contribution to the design of state-of-the-art aircraft.


• Collaborative and technically stimulating work environment.


• Company-provided laptop and remote work setup support.