Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks an Aircraft Performance Engineer to join its aviation MRO team. You will analyze flight data, build performance models, and advise on efficiency and safety. The role requires a strong background in aerodynamics, data analysis, and proficiency with Excel, Python, and MATLAB.

Collaboration across flight operations, maintenance, and engineering is essential. This position offers challenging work, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering with aero focus.
• Minimum 4 years in aircraft performance engineering or similar role in aviation.
• Proficiency in Excel, Python, MATLAB and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, thermodynamics and flight mechanics.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze flight data to assess aircraft performance trends.
• Develop performance models for climb, cruise and descent phases.
• Identify opportunities for fuel efficiency gains and optimized flight planning.
• Prepare detailed performance reports for management and operations teams.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and standards related to performance.

Skills

Excel

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Aerospace knowledge

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organization located in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking a skilled Aircraft Performance Engineer to join their technical team. This role is essential for optimizing aircraft operational efficiency, fuel economy, and flight safety through detailed performance analysis. The engineer will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing flight data, developing performance models, and providing recommendations to enhance operational parameters. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical background in aerodynamics and performance engineering, coupled with experience in data analysis tools. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the operational excellence of a key player in the aviation support industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze flight operational data (e.g., fuel consumption, flight profiles, payload) to assess aircraft performance trends.
• Develop and maintain mathematical models for aircraft performance, including climb, cruise, and descent phases.
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement, such as fuel efficiency gains and optimized flight planning strategies.
• Collaborate with flight operations, maintenance, and engineering departments to implement performance-related recommendations.
• Prepare detailed reports on aircraft performance, highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations for management and operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aviation regulations and standards related to aircraft performance and efficiency.
• Assist in the evaluation of new aircraft types or modifications from a performance perspective.
• Stay current with industry best practices and technological advancements in aircraft performance analysis.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to aircraft performance data and analysis tools.
• Provide technical support and guidance on performance-related queries to stakeholders in Benoni.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on aerodynamics and performance.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in aircraft performance engineering, data analysis, or a similar technical role within the aviation industry.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software and tools (e.g., Excel, Python, MATLAB, specialized flight data analysis platforms).
• Solid understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and flight mechanics.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for report writing and technical presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Familiarity with flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR) data interpretation is an advantage.
• Knowledge of South African aviation regulations is beneficial.
• Must be able to work full-time in our Benoni, Gauteng facility.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development within a growing aviation MRO company. This role provides a challenging and rewarding career path in a key sector of the Gauteng economy. Employees benefit from working with a forward-thinking organization committed to technical excellence and operational efficiency at their Benoni site.