Aircraft Structural Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Advanced engineering tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structural Engineer for a Pretoria-based role combining on-site collaboration with remote work options. The position focuses on design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures to ensure safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in aircraft structural design and strong experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS) and CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, elasticity, plasticity, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with composite materials and metallic structures used in aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of aerospace design standards and certification processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and stress calculations for aircraft components and assemblies using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Design and develop new aircraft structures and modify existing ones to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Conduct material selection and testing to ensure suitability for aircraft applications.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams to integrate structural designs.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and design specifications.
• Oversee and participate in structural testing, including static and dynamic load testing.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant aviation regulations, standards (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA), and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot structural issues identified during testing, manufacturing, or operational phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in aerospace structures and materials.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

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

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity in the aerospace industry, is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Aircraft Structural Engineer to contribute to their innovative projects based in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is central to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures, ensuring their integrity, performance, and safety under various operational loads. You will be involved in cutting-edge research and development, working with advanced materials and state-of-the-art simulation tools. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for aerospace advancements. This hybrid role offers a balanced approach, combining essential on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of aviation technology, contributing to the development of next-generation aircraft. Our client values expertise, innovation, and a commitment to achieving unparalleled engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and stress calculations for aircraft components and assemblies using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Design and develop new aircraft structures and modify existing ones to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Conduct material selection and testing to ensure suitability for aircraft applications.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams to integrate structural designs.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and design specifications.
• Oversee and participate in structural testing, including static and dynamic load testing.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant aviation regulations, standards (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA), and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot structural issues identified during testing, manufacturing, or operational phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in aerospace structures and materials.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, elasticity, plasticity, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with composite materials and metallic structures used in aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of aerospace design standards and certification processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Exposure to challenging and innovative aerospace projects.
• Hybrid work model promoting work-life balance.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
• Contribution to a company at the forefront of aviation engineering in Pretoria.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.