Lead Aerospace Structures Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Aerospace Structures Engineer in Sandton to oversee design, analysis and testing of aircraft structural components. You will ensure integrity, strength and durability of airframes using advanced composites and metals.

You will lead a team, guide testing plans, and interface with regulators to achieve certification, while driving safety, quality and innovation in aerospace structures.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on structures.
• Minimum of 10 years in aerospace structures design and analysis.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams on complex structural projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structural components ensuring compliance with aerospace standards (ARP4754, MIL-HDBK-5).
• Perform detailed stress analysis, fatigue life assessment, and damage tolerance evaluations using FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural testing plans including static, dynamic, and vibration testing.
• Oversee material selection including advanced composites, aluminum alloys, and titanium.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure manufacturability and efficient production of components.
• Manage a team of structural engineers, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Interface with customers and regulators to secure design approval and certification.
• Troubleshoot structural issues during testing, production, or operation.
• Stay updated on advancements in structural design, materials, and analysis techniques.
• Contribute to development of innovative structural concepts for future aerospace platforms.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Under pressure performance

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (Structures)

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in the aerospace manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Aerospace Structures Engineer to join their engineering department in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**. This leadership position will involve overseeing the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components and systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, strength, and durability of airframes, working with advanced composite materials and metallic alloys. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, stress analysis, and fatigue life prediction, along with proven leadership capabilities. This is a critical role for an individual passionate about aviation safety and innovation, offering the opportunity to shape the future of aerospace design. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structural components, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., ARP4754, MIL-HDBK-5).
• Perform detailed stress analysis, fatigue life assessment, and damage tolerance evaluations using FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural testing plans, including static, dynamic, and vibration testing.
• Oversee the selection of appropriate materials, including advanced composites, aluminum alloys, and titanium.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure manufacturability and efficient production of structural components.
• Manage a team of structural engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Interface with customers and regulatory bodies to ensure design approval and certification.
• Troubleshoot structural issues encountered during testing, production, or operational phases.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements in structural design, materials, and analysis techniques.
• Contribute to the development of innovative structural concepts for future aerospace platforms.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on structures.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aerospace structures design and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and managing complex structural projects.
• Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, including composites, metals, and their manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of failure modes, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and material properties.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding project deadlines.
• Experience with industry standards and regulations related to aircraft structures.
• Commitment to safety and quality in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**.
• Valid South African work permit.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive medical and retirement benefits. We provide generous paid time off and numerous opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences. Employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities and a stimulating work environment focused on innovation and collaboration. Relocation assistance may be provided to successful candidates relocating to **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**. Join a team that is at the forefront of aerospace engineering.