Aircraft Stress Analyst

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary package

Relocation assistance to Bloemfontein

Professional development opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Retirement savings plan with employer"

State-of-the-art tools and software

Collaborative work environment

Performance bonuses available

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking an experienced Aircraft Stress Analyst to drive structural integrity analyses for new and existing aircraft designs. You will execute detailed FEA, assess static/dynamic/fatigue loading, and develop validated models aligned with test data.

You will collaborate with design, aero, and test teams to optimize weight, strength, and manufacturability while ensuring adherence to aviation standards.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with structural mechanics specialization.
• 6+ years of aircraft stress analysis or structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency in NASTRAN, PATRAN, Abaqus or similar FEA tools.
• Strong knowledge of classical stress analysis, composites and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with structural testing and data analysis is desirable.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and certification processes.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligible to work in South Africa.
• Programming experience (Python or MATLAB) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform stress analysis on aircraft structures using advanced FEA software.
• Evaluate structural behavior under static, dynamic and fatigue loading.
• Develop and validate FEA models with test data correlation.
• Interpret results and deliver clear reports to design teams.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize for weight, strength and manufacturability.
• Support structural testing and analyze results.
• Ensure compliance with CS-25 and FAR Part 25 standards.
• Identify failure modes and recommend design modifications.
• Participate in design reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Advance stress analysis processes and tools.

Skills

FEA knowledge

Structural mechanics

Composite materials

Fracture mechanics

Python/MATLAB

Education

Master's/ PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

Tools

NASTRAN

PATRAN

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier aerospace manufacturer with a significant presence in Bloemfontein , is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Aircraft Stress Analyst. This role is integral to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of new and existing aircraft designs. You will conduct detailed stress analysis using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, evaluate structural performance under various load conditions, and contribute to design optimization to meet stringent aerospace requirements. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, material science, and aerospace design principles. You will collaborate closely with design engineers, aerodynamicists, and test engineers to validate structural designs and resolve any potential issues. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects and contribute to the development of next-generation aircraft. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about structural analysis, possesses exceptional problem-solving skills, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of engineering excellence in a demanding industry. The role involves both detailed technical analysis and cross-functional team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive stress analysis on aircraft structures and components using advanced FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, Abaqus).
• Evaluate structural behavior under static, dynamic, and fatigue loading conditions.
• Develop and validate FEA models, ensuring accuracy and correlation with test data.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear, concise reports to design engineers and project teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs for weight reduction, strength, and manufacturability.
• Support the structural testing of components and sub-assemblies, analyzing test results.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace structural design standards and regulations (e.g., CS-25, FAR Part 25).
• Identify potential failure modes and recommend design modifications to enhance structural integrity.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert technical input on structural matters.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of stress analysis processes and tools.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structural mechanics.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft stress analysis or structural engineering.
• Proficiency in using FEA software such as NASTRAN, PATRAN, Abaqus, or similar.
• Strong understanding of classical stress analysis methods, composite materials, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with structural testing and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and certification processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for scripting and data analysis is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on advanced and exciting aerospace projects.
• Generous annual leave and company-provided holidays.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development and training opportunities, including conference attendance.
• State-of-the-art engineering and analysis tools.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for performance bonuses.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates moving to Bloemfontein .