Aircraft Systems Engineer - Structures Specialist

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Pension fund with company contribution

Generous annual leave and sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Conferences attendance

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a highly skilled Aircraft Systems Engineer focusing on Structures to design, analyze, develop, and integrate structural components and systems for aircraft. This role emphasizes strength, weight optimization, and regulatory compliance in a cutting-edge facility.

The candidate will perform stress analyses, work with materials engineers, and collaborate with aerodynamics, systems, and manufacturing teams to deliver safe, reliable aircraft structures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• ≥6 years' experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proficiency with NASTRAN or ABAQUS for structural analysis.
• Knowledge of composites, aluminum alloys, and titanium.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations and certification processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document findings.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft structures using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Develop and validate structural designs to meet performance, weight, and cost requirements.
• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and fracture mechanics assessments.
• Ensure structural designs comply with all relevant aviation regulations (SA-CAA, EASA, FAA).
• Collaborate with materials engineers to select appropriate materials for structural applications.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot structural issues encountered during testing or in-service operations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural design processes and tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on structural engineering matters.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Technical writing

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in aircraft design and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Aircraft Systems Engineer with a specialization in Structures. This role is based in our advanced facility in Randburg, Gauteng . You will be responsible for the design, analysis, development, and integration of aircraft structural components and systems. This includes ensuring structural integrity, performance, and compliance with stringent aviation safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in stress analysis, materials science, and fatigue life prediction, with experience in using advanced simulation and modeling tools. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, including aerodynamics, systems, and manufacturing, to deliver innovative and reliable aircraft structures. This is a challenging opportunity to contribute to the next generation of aerospace technology and uphold the highest standards of engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft primary and secondary structures using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Develop and validate structural designs to meet performance, weight, and cost requirements.
• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and fracture mechanics assessments.
• Ensure structural designs comply with all relevant aviation regulations (e.g., SA-CAA, EASA, FAA) and certification requirements.
• Collaborate with materials engineers to select appropriate materials for structural applications.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot structural issues encountered during testing or in-service operations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural design processes and tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on structural engineering matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proficiency in using structural analysis software such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of stress, strain, fatigue, and fracture mechanics principles.
• Knowledge of aircraft materials (composites, aluminum alloys, titanium) and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations and certification processes related to structures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills for documentation and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with CAD software for design and detailing is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pension fund with company contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training and conferences.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Performance-based bonuses.