Chief Engineer – RF/Antennas

Network Finance; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance seeks a Chief Engineer: Mechanical to act as the design authority for the mechanical engineering discipline, guiding system-level design across complex development programmes within a defence/aerospace context.

You will provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with MIL-STD, STANAG, IEC and ISO frameworks while driving innovation and supporting business growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience.
• Expert in structural mechanics and design for defence/aerospace.
• Familiar with MIL-STD, STANAG, IEC, ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as design authority for mechanical engineering on complex programmes.
• Guide system-level design activities and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor engineering talent and foster innovation.
• Support bid and technical strategy development.

Skills

Technical leadership

Structural mechanics

System design

Mentorship

Defence standards knowledge

Manufacturability review

Innovation culture

Bid support

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB

Python

FEKO

HFSS

CST

MS Office

Job description

Our client is a technology-focused engineering organisation delivering advanced solutions to global defence and aerospace markets. They are looking for an accomplished Chief Engineer: Mechanical to serve as the design authority within the mechanical engineering discipline and provide technical leadership across complex development programmes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding system-level design activities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, supporting business growth initiatives, and fostering innovation within the engineering function. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while influencing technical strategy and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent.

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.

Job Experience & Skills Required:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering experience with proven technical leadership.
• Recognised subject matter expert in structural mechanics, structural design, or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of defence and aerospace engineering standards, including MIL-STD, STANAG, IEC, and ISO frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience acting as a technical lead or design authority on complex engineering programmes.
• Strong background in structural analysis, product development, and system design.
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering designs to ensure manufacturability, quality, compliance, and performance.
• Ability to provide technical mentorship and drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Exposure to feasibility studies, bid support, and technical strategy development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Exposure to MATLAB, Python, FEKO, HFSS, CST, or similar engineering simulation tools will be advantageous.
• Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (PrEng) will be advantageous.

For more engineering jobs, please visit: www.networkrecruitmentinternational.com

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.

For more information contact:

Shaleen van Staden