Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer to join our Paarl-based engineering team. The role focuses on the design, analysis, and certification of aircraft structural components to ensure airworthiness and performance standards.

You will use FEA tools (ANSYS/NASTRAN/Abaqus) and CAD software (CATIA/SolidWorks), work with certification authorities, and collaborate with manufacturing and testing teams to deliver robust structural solutions for various aircraft programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or Abaqus.
• Strong understanding of material science and aerospace structural principles.
• Experience with CAD software CATIA or SolidWorks for design and modeling.
• Familiarity with aircraft certification requirements and processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components and assemblies using FEA software.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for structural components.
• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance assessments for metallic and composite structures.
• Ensure designs comply with airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA).
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to oversee production and assembly of structural components.
• Support testing and validation activities, including static and dynamic testing of structures.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and propose repair or modification solutions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Stay current with advancements in aerospace materials and structural analysis techniques.
• Liaise with certification authorities to gain approval for structural designs and repairs.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in English

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role Our client, a key contributor to the aerospace manufacturing and maintenance sector, is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their engineering department in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is critical for the design, analysis, and certification of aircraft structural components, ensuring airworthiness and performance standards are met. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of aerospace materials and structures, and a proven ability to translate complex design requirements into practical engineering solutions. You will work on a variety of aircraft types, contributing to both new designs and modifications. We are committed to engineering excellence and innovation, providing a challenging and rewarding environment for our technical staff. This is a superb opportunity to contribute to significant aerospace projects within a growing company.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design of aircraft components and assemblies using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for structural components.
• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance assessments for metallic and composite structures.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA) and industry standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to oversee the production and assembly of structural components.
• Support testing and validation activities, including static and dynamic testing of structures.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and propose effective repair or modification solutions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Stay current with advancements in aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and structural analysis techniques.
• Liaise with certification authorities to gain approval for structural designs and repairs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or Abaqus.
• Strong understanding of material science, mechanics of materials, and aerospace structural principles.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for design and modeling.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes for metals and composites.
• Familiarity with aircraft certification requirements and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
• Proficiency in English.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including excellent medical and retirement benefits.
• We provide ample opportunities for professional development through advanced training programs, conference attendance, and involvement in challenging aerospace projects in Paarl, Western Cape .
• Employees enjoy a supportive work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
• This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace technology and contribute to the safety and advancement of the aviation industry.
• Additional benefits may include performance bonuses and relocation assistance for qualified candidates.