Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional growth opportunities

State-of-the-art engineering tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Aircraft Performance Engineer to join its engineering team in Nelspruit. The role focuses on optimizing aircraft efficiency, range and payload through rigorous analysis and modeling.

You will collaborate with design, flight test and operations teams to meet performance specs and advance aviation technology. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering with 5+ years of experience, strong aerodynamics and propulsion knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aircraft performance analysis and engineering.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and flight mechanics.
• Proficiency with performance analysis software and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, specialized aerospace software).
• Experience interpreting and analyzing flight test data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of aircraft performance data, including climb, cruise, and descent phases.
• Develop and refine mathematical models to predict and optimize aircraft performance parameters (e.g., fuel efficiency, speed, altitude).
• Evaluate the impact of design changes and modifications on overall aircraft performance.
• Plan and execute performance testing campaigns with flight test engineers.
• Analyze flight test results and validate performance models.
• Provide performance-related technical support to design, manufacturing, and operational teams.

Skills

Aeronautical engineering

Flight mechanics

Aerodynamics

Propulsion systems

MATLAB

Python

Flight test data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Aerospace simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Aircraft Performance Engineer to join their innovative engineering team in Nelspruit . This role is central to optimizing aircraft efficiency, range, and payload capabilities through rigorous analysis and advanced modeling. You will work with cutting-edge technology to evaluate and improve the aerodynamic and propulsive performance of aircraft. The ideal candidate has a strong background in aeronautical engineering, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of aircraft performance. You will collaborate with design, flight test, and operations teams to ensure our aircraft meet and exceed performance specifications, contributing to significant advancements in aviation technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of aircraft performance data, including climb, cruise, and descent phases.
• Develop and refine mathematical models to predict and optimize aircraft performance parameters (e.g., fuel efficiency, speed, altitude).
• Evaluate the impact of design changes and modifications on overall aircraft performance.
• Work with flight test engineers to plan and execute performance testing campaigns.
• Analyze flight test results and validate performance models.
• Provide performance-related technical support to design, manufacturing, and operational teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft performance analysis and engineering.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics , propulsion systems, and flight mechanics.
• Proficiency with performance analysis software and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, specialized aerospace software).
• Experience in interpreting and analyzing flight test data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and exposure to diverse aerospace projects.
• Access to state-of-the-art engineering tools and facilities.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Hybrid work arrangements for work-life balance.