Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Training opportunities

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer in Welkom, Free State to optimize aerostructure operations, fuel efficiency, and flight planning. You will analyze flight data, develop performance models, and collaborate with operations, engineering, and maintenance to drive improvements.

The role requires deep expertise in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and performance calculations, plus strong data analysis and programming skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent
• 7+ years in aircraft performance or related analytical role in aviation
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and performance calculations
• Proficiency in data analysis software and programming languages (MATLAB, Python, R)
• Understanding of aircraft systems and their impact on performance
• Familiarity with EASA/FAA/SACAA regulations
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Experience in Welkom, Free State or similar operational context advantageous

Responsibilities

• Analyze flight performance data to identify trends and opportunities for fuel efficiency improvements
• Develop and validate aircraft performance models considering weight, altitude, temp, and atmospheric conditions
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and maintenance to implement optimization strategies
• Perform pre-flight performance calculations and assist in flight planning
• Monitor performance against benchmarks and regulatory requirements
• Prepare detailed reports on performance, fuel consumption, and efficiency for management
• Keep abreast of new performance technologies and methodologies
• Support integration of new aircraft types or modifications by assessing performance
• Provide technical expertise on performance during design, certification, and operations
• Contribute to safety investigations with data analysis

Skills

Aerodynamics

Flight dynamics

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished aviation organization, is seeking to appoint a highly analytical Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer to their team in **Welkom, Free State**. This role is paramount for optimizing aircraft operational efficiency, fuel economy, and flight planning. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and performance modeling, coupled with strong data analysis skills. You will play a key role in evaluating flight data, developing performance-enhancing strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute significantly to the operational excellence of a leading aviation entity in **Welkom, Free State**. The role demands a meticulous approach to data interpretation and a proactive mindset towards identifying performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze flight performance data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement in fuel efficiency and operational procedures.
• Develop and validate aircraft performance models, considering factors such as weight, altitude, temperature, and atmospheric conditions.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to implement performance optimization strategies.
• Conduct pre-flight performance calculations and assist in flight planning to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Monitor and evaluate aircraft performance against established benchmarks and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare detailed reports on aircraft performance, fuel consumption, and operational efficiency for management review.
• Research and stay abreast of advancements in aviation performance technologies and methodologies.
• Support the integration of new aircraft types or modifications into the fleet by assessing their performance characteristics.
• Provide technical expertise on performance-related issues during aircraft design, certification, and operational phases.
• Contribute to safety investigations by providing performance data analysis.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering or a related analytical role within the aviation industry.
• Proven expertise in aerodynamic principles, flight dynamics, and performance calculations.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R).
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems and their impact on performance.
• Familiarity with relevant aviation regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience working in **Welkom, Free State** or a similar operational context is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and a robust retirement plan are included.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays, is provided.
• Opportunities for advanced training, professional development courses, and attending industry conferences are available.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation and supports career growth.
• Work-life balance is encouraged, and the environment in **Welkom, Free State** is conducive to focused engineering work.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation tools and analytical software is provided.