Chief Engineer – Rf/Antennas

Network Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment seeks a Chief Engineer: Mechanical to act as the design authority and provide technical leadership across complex defence and aerospace development programmes. You will guide system-level design activities, ensure standards compliance, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master’s in Mechanical/Structural Engineering with 10+ years of experience, strong SME credentials in structural mechanics, and the ability to drive

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with proven technical leadership.
• Recognised SME in structural mechanics or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of defence and aerospace engineering standards (MIL-STD, STANAG, IEC, ISO).
• Experience acting as technical lead or design authority on complex programmes.
• Background in structural analysis, product development, system design.
• Experience reviewing designs for manufacturability, quality, compliance and performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as design authority within the mechanical engineering discipline and guide system-level design activities.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks across programmes.
• Provide technical mentorship and foster innovation within the engineering team.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, bid support, and technical strategy development.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Structural design

Technical leadership

Bid support

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical/Structural Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

FEKO

HFSS

CST

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.