Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Advanced design and analysis tools

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, invites an experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to join our client’s design team. You will develop primary and secondary aircraft structures, perform stress analysis, and optimize weight while ensuring safety and airworthiness.

You will use CATIA V5, SolidWorks, and FEA tools to create robust structural solutions for multiple aircraft programs, collaborating closely with manufacturing and materials specialists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD and FEA tools, and knowledge of aerospace materials.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with safety/regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary and secondary aircraft structures meeting aero and manufacturing requirements.
• Perform stress analysis and structural testing using FEA tools.
• Optimize designs for weight reduction while preserving strength and stiffness.
• Create detailed drawings and models using CAD software; document technical work.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and materials teams to ensure producibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Support design reviews and regulatory compliance activities.
• Assist with flight test planning and address structural issues identified during testing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

Unigraphics

NASTRAN

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced aircraft manufacturing and design, is seeking a talented Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to join their esteemed engineering team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This role is integral to the conceptualization, design, and analysis of aircraft primary and secondary structures. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring structural integrity, optimizing weight, and meeting all performance and safety requirements. Working within a collaborative environment, you will utilize state-of-the-art CAD and FEA tools to develop innovative structural solutions for a range of aircraft programs. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled engineer to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation aircraft. Your contributions will directly impact the safety, efficiency, and performance of flight vehicles. The role demands a creative mindset combined with rigorous engineering discipline, situated within a region known for its technological innovation and scenic beauty.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary and secondary aircraft structures, ensuring adherence to aerodynamic, structural, and manufacturing requirements.
• Perform stress analysis and structural testing using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Optimize structural designs for weight reduction while maintaining required strength and stiffness.
• Prepare detailed drawings, models, and technical documentation using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Liaise with materials specialists to select appropriate materials for structural components.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to technical decision-making processes.
• Ensure compliance with aviation structural design standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support flight test activities and address any structural issues identified during testing.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in aircraft structures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks, Unigraphics).
• Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and structural mechanics.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations related to structural design and airworthiness.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Familiarity with composite materials and their design considerations is a plus.
• Proficiency in English.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Access to advanced design and analysis tools.
• Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates moving to **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• Be part of a forward-thinking aerospace company shaping the future of aviation.
• A stimulating work environment in a beautiful and accessible location.
• Contribution to high-profile aviation projects.