Aerospace Structural Analysis Engineer - Advanced Composites

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA seeks an Aerospace Structural Analysis Engineer with a strong background in advanced composites to join the on-site team. You will perform complex analyses to ensure airframe integrity and guide design decisions, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and testing teams.

The role demands a deep knowledge of structural mechanics, composite materials, and aerospace principles, and offers exposure to cutting-edge projects in a leading aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis, with emphasis on composites.
• Proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of composite mechanics, material properties, and failure theories.
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and their impact on structural integrity.
• Knowledge of aerospace regulations and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced structural analysis on aerospace components and assemblies with a focus on composites using FEA software.
• Develop and validate analytical models to predict structural behavior under static and dynamic loads.
• Conduct stress, strain, buckling, vibration, and fatigue analyses for airframes and wings.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear recommendations to design and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with test engineers to plan and support structural testing campaigns.
• Document analysis procedures, results, and conclusions in technical reports.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

FEA software

Composite mechanics

Aerospace engineering

Regulatory knowledge

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Structural Analysis Engineer specializing in advanced composites to join their innovative team in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**. This is a demanding, on-site role critical to the design and integrity of next-generation aerospace structures. You will be responsible for conducting complex analyses to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of airframes and related components. This position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and methodologies. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, composite materials, and aerospace engineering principles. You will collaborate closely with design engineers, manufacturing specialists, and testing teams to bring complex aerospace designs from concept to reality, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. This role is vital for maintaining our client's position at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced structural analysis on aerospace components and assemblies, with a focus on composite materials, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Develop and validate analytical models to predict structural behavior under various static and dynamic load conditions.
• Conduct stress, strain, buckling, vibration, and fatigue analyses for airframes, wings, and other critical structures.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear, concise recommendations to design and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure all structural designs meet or exceed aerospace industry standards (e.g., FAA, EASA regulations) and customer specifications.
• Collaborate with test engineers to plan and support structural testing campaigns, correlating analytical results with experimental data.
• Research and apply advanced composite materials and manufacturing technologies to optimize structural performance and reduce weight.
• Document analysis procedures, results, and conclusions thoroughly in technical reports.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of analysis processes and tools.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert technical input.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis, with a strong emphasis on composite structures.
• Proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of composite mechanics, material properties, and failure theories (e.g., Puck, Tsai-Wu).
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and their impact on structural integrity.
• Knowledge of aerospace regulations and certification processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment on-site.
• Familiarity with CAD software for model preparation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge aerospace technology and facilities.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment within a leading aerospace company.
• Exposure to groundbreaking projects and innovative technologies.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• On-site amenities and support services.