Head Propulsion Systems Engineer – Cape Town (Relocation)

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with bonus potential

Medical & dental benefits

Retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Aviation Propulsion Systems Engineer in Cape Town to guide a high‑caliber team of propulsion engineers. You will shape technical strategy, oversee concept through flight testing and certification, and push advances in gas turbine, electric, or hybrid propulsion technologies.

You will analyze performance, model thermodynamics, assess structural integrity, and ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards while coordinating with manufacturing and regulatory

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with propulsion specialization.
• 10+ years in aviation propulsion with demonstrated leadership.
• Strong knowledge of jet propulsion, thermodynamics, and propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion engineers and provide technical direction.
• Oversee design, development, testing, and certification lifecycle.
• Develop strategies for gas turbine, electric, or hybrid propulsion.
• Perform performance analyses, thermodynamic modeling, and integrity assessments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and regulators; manage timelines and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Presentation

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering (propulsion)

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

NPSS

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Aviation Propulsion Systems Engineer in Cape Town to guide a high‑caliber team of propulsion engineers. You will shape technical strategy, oversee concept through flight testing and certification, and push advances in gas turbine, electric, or hybrid propulsion technologies.

You will analyze performance, model thermodynamics, assess structural integrity, and ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards while coordinating with manufacturing and regulatory