Advanced Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Structures

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Generous PTO

Professional development

Access to advanced facilities

International assignments potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Advanced Mechanical Engineer for a premier aerospace innovator in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design, analyze, and validate complex airframe components and mechanisms to support next-generation aircraft and space technologies.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 8+ years of aerospace experience, with strong CAD/FEA skills and AS9100 familiarity. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of aerospace mechanical design and analysis experience.
• Expertise with aerospace materials and behavior under stress.
• Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 and CREO; experience with FEA tools.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards.
• Knowledge of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and buckling analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication of complex technical information.
• Experience in regulated engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications.
• Perform advanced structural analysis and FEA.
• Select materials based on strength, weight, thermal properties, and cost.
• Oversee manufacturing of prototypes and flight-qualified hardware.
• Validate designs through static load, fatigue, and vibration testing.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, materials scientists, and systems engineers.
• Prepare design reports, test plans, and certification packages.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the department.

Skills

Advanced CAD

FEA

Technical communication

Analytical problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

CREO

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

AS9100

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in aerospace innovation, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Advanced Mechanical Engineer to join their prestigious team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for the design, analysis, and validation of complex aerospace structures and mechanisms. You will work on cutting‑edge projects, contributing to the development of next‑generation aircraft and space exploration technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical and practical understanding of mechanical engineering principles, particularly as they apply to lightweight and high‑strength materials. You will be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of engineering excellence, requiring creativity, precision, and a rigorous analytical approach. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about aerospace advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop intricate mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications, including airframes, propulsion systems, and control surfaces.
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to assess component integrity under extreme conditions.
• Conduct material selection based on strength, weight, thermal properties, and cost considerations for aerospace‑grade materials.
• Develop and oversee the manufacturing process for prototypes and flight‑qualified hardware, working closely with production teams.
• Validate designs through rigorous testing, including static load, fatigue, and vibration testing.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, materials scientists, and systems engineers to achieve optimal performance and integration.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and certification packages.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, specifically within the aerospace sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of aerospace materials (e.g., composites, titanium, aluminum alloys) and their behavior under stress.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, CREO) and FEA packages (e.g., NASTRAN, ABAQUS).
• Experience with aerospace manufacturing techniques and quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Strong understanding of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and buckling analysis.
• Excellent analytical problem‑solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a highly regulated and demanding engineering environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant bonus opportunities linked to project milestones.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Substantial paid time off and extended holiday breaks.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation and testing facilities.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for groundbreaking innovation.
• Potential for international assignments and exposure to global aerospace projects.