Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary and bonuses

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer to spearhead critical projects at their client’s Rustenburg facility. This leadership role covers design, analysis, and validation of aircraft structural components to meet safety, performance, and weight targets.

You will manage and mentor a team of engineers, guide design challenges, and collaborate with aero, systems, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated aircraft designs.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aircraft structures design and analysis, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS) and CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Deep knowledge of aerospace materials (metals, composites) and applications in aircraft structures.
• Proven experience in static and dynamic stress analysis, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and buckling analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes (e.g., FAR Part 25).
• Strong leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Experience with composite structures design and manufacturing processes is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and analysis of aircraft components and assemblies, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.
• Oversee and perform complex structural analysis using FEA software to assess stress, strain, and fatigue life.
• Develop and validate design concepts, ensuring manufacturability, maintainability, and weight efficiency.
• Manage and mentor a team of aircraft structures engineers, providing technical guidance and direction.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic, systems, and manufacturing teams for integrated designs.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including reports and specifications.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate materials and concepts for performance and cost.
• Support prototype development, testing, and certification activities.
• Stay updated on advancements in aircraft structural design and materials.

Skills

Leadership

FEA

Stress analysis

Composite structures

Mentoring teams

Project management

CAD tools

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer to spearhead critical projects at their state-of-the-art facility in Rustenburg, North West. This leadership role is responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of aircraft structural components and systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and efficiency. You will manage a team of talented engineers, guide them through complex design challenges, and collaborate with other departments to bring innovative aircraft designs to fruition. This position requires a profound understanding of material science, stress analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), and composite structures. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a passion for aviation engineering and a proven ability to deliver under demanding project timelines within the North West region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and analysis of aircraft components and assemblies, ensuring compliance with all relevant aerospace standards and regulations.
• Oversee and perform complex structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to assess stress, strain, and fatigue life.
• Develop and validate design concepts, ensuring manufacturability, maintainability, and optimal weight efficiency.
• Manage and mentor a team of aircraft structures engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and project direction.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure integrated and optimized aircraft designs.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design reports, stress analysis reports, and specifications.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate alternative materials and structural concepts for improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Support prototype development, testing, and certification activities related to aircraft structures.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in aircraft structural design, materials, and manufacturing technologies.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aircraft structures design and analysis, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS) and CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Deep knowledge of aerospace materials (metals, composites), their properties, and applications in aircraft structures.
• Proven experience in static and dynamic stress analysis, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and buckling analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes (e.g., FAR Part 25).
• Strong leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Experience with composite structures design and manufacturing processes is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive executive benefits.
• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Significant paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, attendance at international conferences, and career advancement within a globally recognized aviation firm.
• The role is based in Rustenburg and offers a challenging yet rewarding career path.