Engineering Manager - Aerospace

Jenrec Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a qualified engineering professional for a senior executive position in South Africa. The role involves strategic leadership, oversight of operations, and driving business development within the aerospace and optical systems sectors. Ideal candidates will have a strong technical background, business acumen, and proven leadership experience. Competitive compensation package offered with opportunities for international engagement.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Opportunity for international projects

Career growth and direct influence on innovation

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-tech R&D or engineering environments.
• Previous experience in a General Manager or senior executive role.
• Experience with international clients, partnerships, or markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's strategic direction.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and project execution.
• Drive business development and client engagement.
• Ensure technical excellence in R&D initiatives.
• Manage financial and operational performance.

Skills

Business acumen

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Technical expertise

Education

BEng in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering

MBA or postgraduate qualification in business/management

Job description

This company operates at the intersection of aerospace innovation and advanced optical systems engineering, serving international civil and security markets. This role is ideal for a qualified engineering professional with strong business leadership experience and a deep technical foundation.

You will be stepping into a senior executive position with opportunities for international engagement, career growth, and direct influence on cutting‑edge technology development. Key Responsibilities: Lead the organisation's strategic direction and ensure the alignment of technical and business goals. Oversee day‑to‑day operations, project execution, and team performance across all departments. Drive business development, client engagement, and international partnerships. Ensure technical excellence in R&D and product development initiatives. Manage financial and operational performance, budgeting, and resource allocation. Foster innovation, efficiency, and high standards of delivery. Represent the organisation at executive level in both local and international engagements.

Requirements: BEng in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering (or equivalent). Strong technical background with proven experience in high‑tech R&D or engineering environments (preferably aerospace, optics, or defence‑related sectors). Previous experience in a General Manager or senior executive role within an engineering or technology‑driven business. Strong business acumen, with a track record of aligning technical initiatives to strategic and financial objectives. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Highly advantageous: MBA or postgraduate qualification in business/management. Experience with international clients, partnerships, or markets. Background in systems engineering, optics, aerospace technologies, or defence‑related R&D.

What's on Offer: Executive‑level role in a respected, high‑impact organisation. Access to international projects and exposure. Opportunity to shape innovation in South African aerospace and optical systems. Competitive compensation package and clear growth trajectory.