Principal Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive stock options or profit‑‑‑‑‑

Health insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Generous paid time off and annualleave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Aircraft Structures Engineer to lead the structural design, analysis, and testing of aircraft components. This role requires extensive expertise in materials science, structural mechanics, and advanced FEA methods, with a focus on safety, performance, and airworthiness.

The position combines on-site work at the Welkom facility with remote flexibility, and you will mentor junior engineers while driving multi-disciplinary collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Expertise in structural mechanics, composites, and metallic structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design and analysis of aircraft primary and secondary structures.
• Perform advanced stress, fatigue, and damage tolerance analyses using FEA.
• Develop and validate structural models for accuracy and reliability.
• Oversee material selection and specification for aircraft components.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic, systems, and manufacturing engineers for integrated designs.
• Define and oversee structural testing programs (static/dynamic/fatigue).
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness regulations and design standards.
• Review and approve structural design calculations and drawings.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Stay updated on cutting-edge technologies in aircraft structural engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Structural mechanics

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in aircraft manufacturing and design, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Aircraft Structures Engineer. This is a hybrid role offering a blend of on-site work at our facility in Welkom, Free State, ZA , and remote flexibility. You will be responsible for leading the structural design, analysis, and testing of new and existing aircraft components. This senior position demands extensive knowledge of materials science, structural mechanics, and advanced finite element analysis (FEA) techniques. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven track record of successfully managing complex structural engineering projects. You will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, performance, and airworthiness of our aircraft structures, contributing significantly to the company's reputation for excellence in the Welkom, Free State, ZA area and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and analysis of aircraft primary and secondary structures.
• Perform advanced stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance assessments using FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural models, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Oversee material selection and specification for aircraft structural components.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure integrated designs.
• Define and oversee structural testing programs, including static, dynamic, and fatigue tests.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant airworthiness regulations and structural design standards.
• Review and approve structural design documentation, calculations, and drawings.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in aircraft structural engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Expertise in structural mechanics, composite materials, and metallic structures.
• Advanced proficiency in FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS) and CAD tools.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft airworthiness standards (e.g., FAR Part 25, CS 25).
• Proven experience leading complex structural engineering projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing both on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Experience with certification processes and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive compensation package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant impact on cutting-edge aircraft development programs.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Generous paid time off and annual leave.
• Executive stock options or profit-sharing plan.
• Professional development funding and conference attendance.
• Retirement plan with generous employer match.
• On-site amenities and support services.