Lead Aerospace Composites Engineer (Hybrid)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, is seeking a Lead Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer to guide a team in developing, testing, and applying advanced composites for aircraft structures. The role blends on-site lab leadership with remote analysis and design tasks.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in a relevant field, 8+ years in aerospace composites, expertise in characterization, autoclave/RTM/AFP processes, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Aerospace or Chemical Eng with composites focus.
• 8+ years in aerospace composite materials development and manufacturing.
• Expertise in characterization, testing, and analysis (mechanical testing, NDT).
• Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing: autoclave, RTM, AFP.
• Experience with design principles and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification requirements for composites.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D, development, and characterization of advanced composites for aerospace.
• Oversee design, fabrication, and testing of composite structures.
• Develop and optimize composite manufacturing processes (lay-up, curing, bonding).
• Conduct failure analysis, performance evaluation, and qualification testing.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor a team of composite materials engineers and guide projects.
• Collaborate with design engineers to integrate composites into aircraft structures.
• Stay updated on advancements in composites tech and industry trends.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets for materials R&D initiatives.
• Contribute to IP development and technical publications.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science / Aerospace / Chemical Eng

Tools

Autoclave

RTM

AFP

NDT

Job description

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, is seeking a Lead Aerospace Composite Materials Engineer to guide a team in developing, testing, and applying advanced composites for aircraft structures. The role blends on-site lab leadership with remote analysis and design tasks.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in a relevant field, 8+ years in aerospace composites, expertise in characterization, autoclave/RTM/AFP processes, and strong leadership.