Aerospace Stress Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid on-site/remote work

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo seeks an experienced Aerospace Stress Engineer to perform structural analysis and strength assessments for aircraft components and assemblies using FEA tools. The role emphasizes weight/performance optimization and compliance with airworthiness standards.

You'll work in a hybrid model, collaborating with design and test teams to deliver validated analyses, develop analytical models, and produce detailed reports for certification and customer specifications.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in aerospace/ mechanical engineering with a specialization in structural mechanics.
• 6+ years in aerospace structural analysis and stress engineering.
• Proficiency with industry-standard FEA packages (MSC Nastran, Patran, ANSYS).
• Strong knowledge of lamination theory, continuum mechanics, and structural dynamics.
• Experience with composite and metallic structures.
• Understanding of aerospace design requirements, certification standards.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Legal right to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed stress analysis on aircraft structures and components using FEA software.
• Conduct static and dynamic load calculations and simulations to assess structural integrity.
• Analyze fatigue and fracture mechanics to predict component life and damage tolerance.
• Develop and validate analytical models, correlating with test data where applicable.
• Interpret results and provide design improvement recommendations to meet strength and durability requirements.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams across the development lifecycle.
• Prepare comprehensive stress analysis reports documenting methodologies and conclusions.
• Ensure analyses comply with FAA/EASA standards and customer specifications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng with structural mechanics

Tools

MSC Nastran

Patran

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned leader in aerospace design and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Stress Engineer to join their innovative team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role focuses on performing structural analysis and strength assessments for aircraft components and assemblies under various load conditions. You will utilize advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to predict structural behavior, ensure compliance with airworthiness standards, and optimize designs for weight and performance. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in mechanics of materials and structures, coupled with practical experience in aerospace applications. This hybrid position allows for collaborative work on-site and focused analysis remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed stress analysis on aircraft structures and components using FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS).
• Perform static and dynamic load calculations and simulations to determine structural integrity.
• Analyze fatigue and fracture mechanics to predict component life and assess damage tolerance.
• Develop and validate analytical models, correlating them with test data where applicable.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear recommendations for design improvements to meet strength, stiffness, and durability requirements.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, manufacturing teams, and test engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Prepare comprehensive stress analysis reports, documenting methodologies, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Ensure all analyses comply with relevant aerospace standards (e.g., FAA, EASA regulations) and customer specifications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in structural analysis techniques and software tools.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standardized procedures for stress analysis within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structural mechanics.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis and stress engineering.
• Proficiency in using industry-standard FEA software packages (e.g., MSC Nastran, Patran, ANSYS).
• Strong theoretical knowledge of classical lamination theory, continuum mechanics, and structural dynamics.
• Experience with composite materials analysis and metallic structures.
• Understanding of aerospace design requirements, certification processes, and relevant standards.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Must have the legal right to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including annual bonuses and comprehensive health benefits such as medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This hybrid role provides flexibility while engaging in critical engineering work at the forefront of aviation technology. The position is situated in Polokwane, Limpopo , within a growing industrial hub. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a leading aerospace company are readily available. Access to cutting-edge analysis tools and a collaborative engineering environment are key advantages.