Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer in Durban to perform structural analyses, design repairs, and manage complex modifications across a fleet. You will ensure airworthiness and structural integrity, working on diverse aircraft with strict regulatory standards.

This role requires hands-on leadership and collaboration with maintenance and QA teams. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in aircraft structures, strong FEA/CAD skills (ANSYS, NASTRAN, CATIA, SolidWorks), and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural engineering, repair design, or analysis.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and metallic structures used in aviation.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) and CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA) pertaining to structural repairs.
• Experience in developing repair schemes and substantiation data.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural inspections and damage assessments on aircraft composite and metallic structures.
• Design and engineer repairs and modifications for aircraft structures, adhering to regulatory standards and OEM specifications.
• Utilize CAD software for designing repair schemes and generating detailed engineering drawings.
• Conduct stress analysis and fatigue life calculations to ensure structural integrity.
• Prepare technical reports, repair schemes, and certification documentation for submission to aviation authorities.
• Oversee and provide technical guidance to maintenance teams during structural repair activities.
• Collaborate with quality assurance personnel to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and procedures.
• Investigate structural failures or incidents, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of new materials, technologies, and techniques in aircraft structural repair and maintenance.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural repair processes and procedures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication skills

Teamwork

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aeronautical/Mechanical/Structural Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the aviation MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is actively recruiting for an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer. This demanding role requires a proficient individual to conduct thorough structural analyses, design repairs, and oversee complex structural modifications for a variety of aircraft types. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in ensuring the airworthiness and longevity of aircraft under our client's care. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career path within a highly respected organization that values technical expertise and innovation. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can contribute to maintaining the highest standards of structural integrity in the aviation industry, working with a fleet that requires meticulous attention to detail and advanced engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural inspections and damage assessments on aircraft composite and metallic structures.
• Design and engineer repairs and modifications for aircraft structures, adhering to regulatory standards and OEM specifications.
• Utilize CAD software for designing repair schemes and generating detailed engineering drawings.
• Conduct stress analysis and fatigue life calculations to ensure structural integrity.
• Prepare technical reports, repair schemes, and certification documentation for submission to aviation authorities.
• Oversee and provide technical guidance to maintenance teams during structural repair activities.
• Collaborate with quality assurance personnel to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and procedures.
• Investigate structural failures or incidents, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of new materials, technologies, and techniques in aircraft structural repair and maintenance.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural repair processes and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural engineering, repair design, or analysis.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and metallic structures used in aviation.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) and CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA) pertaining to structural repairs.
• Experience in developing repair schemes and substantiation data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise with clients and regulatory bodies.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban .

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Professional development opportunities and access to advanced training programs.
• Exposure to a wide range of aircraft types and structural challenges.
• A stable and secure employment opportunity within a growing company.
• Generous annual leave and other benefits.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.