Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer for on-site work in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design, analyze, and test aircraft structural components, using FEA tools to ensure safety and airworthiness.

The role requires a strong background in structural mechanics, materials science, and certification standards (FAR Part 25). Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and meticulous reporting are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a structures focus.
• 6+ years of aircraft structural analysis and design experience.
• Proficiency with FEA tools: NASTRAN, ANSYS, ABAQUS.
• CAD experience with CATIA or SolidWorks for design prep.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification requirements and FAR Part 25.
• Strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components using FEA.
• Develop and validate stress models for various load conditions.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize weight, strength, and manufacturability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports of analysis results and recommendations.
• Conduct or oversee static and dynamic load testing.
• Ensure compliance with FAR Part 25 and customer specs.
• Troubleshoot structural issues during manufacturing or operation.
• Support continuous improvement of design and analysis processes.

Skills

FEA proficiency (structure)

Structural mechanics

Materials science (composites/metals)

Fatigue/fracture mechanics

Report writing

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng (structures)

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

ABAQUS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the aerospace manufacturing sector located in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking a highly skilled Aircraft Structures Engineer. This role is central to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance standards. You will work closely with a team of engineers and technicians to develop innovative solutions for complex structural challenges. This is a critical, on-site position within our advanced manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in structural mechanics, materials science, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), coupled with a meticulous attention to detail. Your contributions will directly impact the integrity and airworthiness of aircraft structures. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering and are looking for individuals who share our passion for excellence and precision in **Pietermaritzburg**.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components and assemblies using FEA software.
• Develop and validate stress analysis models to ensure structural integrity under various load conditions.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs for weight, strength, and manufacturability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting analysis results, findings, and recommendations.
• Conduct or oversee structural testing, including static and dynamic load testing.
• Interpret and apply aerospace material properties and manufacturing processes to structural designs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards, regulations (e.g., FAR Part 25), and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot structural issues encountered during manufacturing or operational phases.
• Work with manufacturing teams to resolve fabrication and assembly challenges related to structures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural design and analysis processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on structures.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in aircraft structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or ABAQUS.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material science (composites and metals), and fatigue/fracture mechanics.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for design and model preparation.
• Ability to interpret and apply aerospace certification requirements and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and safety.
• Experience with aircraft repair design is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We provide opportunities for professional growth through advanced training and challenging project assignments. Join a company at the forefront of aerospace innovation and contribute to building the future of flight. We offer a stable and supportive work environment in Pietermaritzburg where your expertise is valued and your career can flourish.