Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with benefits

Medical and retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer for a prominent aerospace manufacturer in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees design, analysis, and certification of aircraft structures, leading a team of engineers to meet stringent safety and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate has deep structural mechanics knowledge, materials science, and FEA experience, with strong leadership and project management skills to drive cutting-edge aviation programs from concept through

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or civil engineering with Structures specialization.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams on complex aerospace projects.
• Expertise with FEA software (Nastran, Patran, Abaqus) and CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Knowledge of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and damage tolerance.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of aircraft structural components and assemblies from concept to production.
• Perform advanced structural analysis using FEA software (Nastran, Abaqus) to assess stress, strain, and fatigue life.
• Develop and manage structural test plans, analyze results, and recommend design modifications.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace design standards, regulations (FAR Part 25, CS-25), and customer specs.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and drive technical excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

FEA expertise

Technical writing

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Structural Engineering

Tools

Nastran

Abaqus

Patran

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aerospace manufacturer with a growing presence, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their dynamic team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior position is responsible for overseeing the design, analysis, and certification of aircraft structural components and systems. You will lead a team of engineers, ensuring the structural integrity and performance of new and existing aircraft designs meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, and finite element analysis (FEA), coupled with strong leadership and project management capabilities. This is a challenging and rewarding role for a passionate engineer looking to make a significant impact on cutting-edge aviation projects.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, analysis, and validation of aircraft structural components and assemblies, from conceptualization through to production. Perform advanced structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., Nastran, Abaqus) to assess stress, strain, and fatigue life. Develop and manage structural test plans, analyze test results, and provide recommendations for design modifications. Ensure compliance with aerospace structural design standards, regulations (e.g., FAR Part 25, CS-25), and customer specifications. Mentor and guide junior structural engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation. Collaborate closely with manufacturing, systems engineering, and other disciplines to ensure seamless integration of structures. Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for structural engineering tasks. Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and design reviews to internal stakeholders and regulatory authorities. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in aerospace materials, manufacturing techniques, and structural analysis methodologies. Contribute to the development of structural design standards and best practices within the organization.

Requirements

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structures. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis. Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex aerospace projects. Expertise in FEA software (e.g., Nastran, Patran, Abaqus) and CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks). In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials (composites, alloys) and their behavior under load. Strong understanding of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and damage tolerance principles. Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and regulatory requirements. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Proficiency in technical report writing and presentation.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for career growth and professional development. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge projects awaits. We foster a collaborative and innovative work environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , offering the chance to work on globally recognized aviation programs. Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.