Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Aircraft Structures Design Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape, to design, analyze, and verify aircraft structural components. You will create 3D CAD, generate manufacturing drawings, and ensure producibility and cost-effectiveness across programs.

The role emphasizes structural integrity, materials selection, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. A hybrid work model is possible in this dynamic aerospace setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, mechanical, or civil eng with structures focus.
• Minimum 4 years in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency with FEA tools (ANSYS/ABAQUS/Nastran).
• Strong CAD skills (CATIA V5 or SolidWorks) and knowledge of aerospace materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary and secondary aircraft structures (fuselage, wings, control surfaces).
• Perform structural analysis to meet strength, stiffness, and fatigue requirements.
• Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for structural components.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize producibility and cost.
• Participate in trade studies and material selection for structures.
• Develop and execute structural test plans and analyze results.
• Ensure designs comply with aerospace standards and customer specs.
• Support resolution of structural issues during manufacturing and flight tests.
• Document design decisions, analyses, and test reports.
• Contribute to design reviews with technical structural input.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical/Civil engineering (structures)

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Nastran

CATIA V5/SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in aerospace manufacturing and design, is seeking a talented Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to join their expanding engineering department in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA . This pivotal role involves the conceptualization, design, analysis, and verification of aircraft structural components and assemblies. You will be instrumental in developing lightweight, durable, and cost-effective solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the aviation industry. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work on diverse projects, from new aircraft development to the modification of existing platforms. We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented engineer who is passionate about structural integrity and excited by the prospect of shaping the future of aviation design in the beautiful landscape of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary and secondary aircraft structures, including fuselage sections, wings, and control surfaces.
• Perform structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to ensure compliance with strength, stiffness, and fatigue requirements.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings for structural components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for producibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Participate in trade studies and material selection processes for structural applications.
• Develop and execute structural test plans and analyze test results.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant aerospace standards and customer specifications.
• Support the resolution of structural issues encountered during manufacturing, assembly, and flight testing.
• Document design decisions, analyses, and test reports meticulously.
• Contribute to design reviews and provide technical expertise on structural matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with a specialization in structures.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or Nastran.
• Strong command of CAD software, including CATIA V5 or SolidWorks.
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials (composites, aluminum alloys, titanium) and their properties.
• Knowledge of aerospace structural design principles, load cases, and failure modes.
• Experience with composite material design and analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, potentially with a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, and significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• You will work in a stimulating environment with access to advanced design and analysis tools.
• The role supports a hybrid work model, providing flexibility.
• Be part of a forward-thinking company in the scenic region of Paarl, Western Cape, ZA , contributing to impactful aerospace projects.