Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer in Port Elizabeth to lead structural design, stress analysis, and repair developments for composite and metallic aircraft structures. You will work on material selection, FEA-driven modeling, and ensure airworthiness in collaboration with manufacturing and maintenance teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelors or Masters in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering with Structures specialization and at least 6 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structures.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Strong understanding of material science, including composites and aerospace alloys.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for structural design.
• Knowledge of aircraft structural testing methodologies and equipment.
• Familiarity with aerospace regulations and certification requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components and assemblies using FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural models and simulations to predict behavior under various load conditions.
• Select appropriate materials (composites, alloys) based on structural requirements, weight, and cost considerations.
• Design repair schemes for damaged aircraft structures, ensuring airworthiness.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to ensure efficient production and repair processes.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, drawings, and specifications for structural modifications and repairs.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (AMS, MIL-STD) and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct structural testing and interpret results to validate design and analysis.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay updated on advancements in structural analysis techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on structural engineering matters.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

Aeronautical Engineering degree

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable aerospace manufacturer located in Port Elizabeth , is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer. This role is critical for the design, analysis, and integrity of aircraft structures, ensuring they meet rigorous safety and performance standards. The successful candidate will be involved in structural design, stress analysis, material selection, and the development of repair schemes for composite and metallic aircraft structures. This position requires a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, finite element analysis (FEA), and a deep understanding of aerospace materials. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects within the vibrant industrial hub of the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components and assemblies using FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural models and simulations to predict behavior under various load conditions.
• Select appropriate materials (composites, alloys) based on structural requirements, weight, and cost considerations.
• Design repair schemes for damaged aircraft structures, ensuring airworthiness.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to ensure efficient production and repair processes.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, drawings, and specifications for structural modifications and repairs.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., AMS, MIL-STD) and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct structural testing and interpret results to validate design and analysis.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay updated on advancements in structural analysis techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on structural engineering matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structures.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Strong understanding of material science, including composites and aerospace alloys.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for structural design.
• Knowledge of aircraft structural testing methodologies and equipment.
• Familiarity with aerospace regulations and certification requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training in structural analysis and composite materials, are available. This role is based in Port Elizabeth , providing a dynamic work environment within the South African aerospace industry. The position allows for a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration with remote flexibility, within the scenic Eastern Cape region.