Aircraft Performance Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Cutting-edge aviation technology

Dynamic engineering team

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Health and wellness programs

Stellenbosch, Western Cape location

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an Aircraft Performance Engineer to analyze and optimize aircraft performance data, driving efficiency and safety. The role blends on-site analysis with computational work in a hybrid setup, requiring a strong aerospace background.

You will work with advanced software (Flight, TOPCAT, Atlas) and data tools (MATLAB, Python) to provide actionable insights for engineering and operations teams.

Qualifications

• 0 Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with focus on aerodynamics or flight mechanics.
• 0 Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft performance analysis or related engineering discipline.
• 0 Proficiency in performance analysis software (e.g., Flight, TOPCAT, Atlas) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• 0 Strong understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft systems.
• 0 Experience with flight data recorders and analysis techniques.
• 0 Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• 0 Strong written and verbal communication for technical reporting and presentations.
• 0 Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, with hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Analyze flight data to assess aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and operational trends.
• Develop and validate performance models for various aircraft types.
• Conduct studies on flight envelope limitations, takeoff and landing performance, and cruise optimization.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations detailing performance analysis findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to implement performance improvements.
• Support the development and certification of new aircraft systems and modifications related to performance.
• Utilize specialized software tools for data acquisition, processing, and analysis.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in aircraft performance engineering and related technologies.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong analytical skills

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelors/Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (focus on aerodynamics/flight mechanics)

Tools

Flight software

TOPCAT

Atlas

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Role Our client, a reputable aviation company, is seeking a talented Aircraft Performance Engineer to join their engineering division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role focuses on analyzing and optimizing aircraft performance data to enhance efficiency, safety, and operational capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace engineering, with a specialization in performance analysis, flight mechanics, and data interpretation. This position offers a blend of on-site analysis and computational work, making it a hybrid role. You will work with sophisticated software and data sets to provide critical insights that drive operational improvements and inform aircraft design modifications. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to advancements in aviation technology and gain valuable experience within a forward-thinking organization located in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . The role requires a passion for data, a rigorous analytical mindset, and the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze flight data to assess aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and operational trends.
• Develop and validate performance models for various aircraft types.
• Conduct studies on flight envelope limitations, takeoff and landing performance, and cruise optimization.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations detailing performance analysis findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to implement performance improvements.
• Support the development and certification of new aircraft systems and modifications related to performance.
• Utilize specialized software tools for data acquisition, processing, and analysis.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in aircraft performance engineering and related technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on aerodynamics or flight mechanics.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft performance analysis or a related engineering discipline.
• Proficiency in performance analysis software (e.g., Flight, TOPCAT, Atlas) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft systems.
• Experience with flight data recorders and analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, with flexibility for hybrid working.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations pertaining to aircraft performance is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Engage with cutting-edge aviation technology.
• Work in a dynamic and innovative engineering team.
• Generous paid time off.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Be part of a leading company in the scenic region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape .