Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier salary

Fully remote work arrangement

Profit-sharing opportunities

Professional development allowance

Exposure to cutting-edge aviation tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. You will lead a group of engineers, oversee the design and analysis of structural components, and ensure safety and airworthiness compliance from your home office.

This role offers a top-tier salary, profit-sharing opportunities, and generous development funding, with emphasis on innovative aviation projects and remote collaboration across locations.

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering with structures focus.
• At least 10 years in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams on complex programs.
• Deep knowledge of FEA and materials for aviation structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design and analysis for new aircraft programs and mods.
• Mentor and manage a team of structural engineers remotely.
• Perform advanced stress, fatigue, and damage tolerance analyses.
• Develop and validate structural test plans and interpret results.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and other disciplines for producibility.

Skills

Leadership

FEA

Nastran

Ansys

CAD

Aviation regulations

Remote leadership

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in structures

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and integrity of aircraft structural components. You will lead a team of engineers, provide technical direction, and ensure that all structural designs meet rigorous safety, performance, and regulatory standards. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on innovative aviation projects from the convenience of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and analysis activities for new aircraft programs and modifications.


• Oversee the work of a team of structural engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.


• Perform advanced stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance assessments using FEA software.


• Develop and validate structural test plans and interpret test results.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and airworthiness requirements.


• Collaborate with manufacturing, systems engineering, and other disciplines to ensure seamless integration and producibility of structures.


• Contribute to the development of innovative structural concepts and materials.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in structures.


• 10+ years of progressive experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.


• Proven track record of leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.


• Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS) and CAD tools.


• Deep understanding of aircraft materials, manufacturing processes, and fatigue/fracture mechanics.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills suitable for a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Top-tier salary and comprehensive benefits package.


• Fully remote work arrangement, promoting work-life balance.


• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.


• Generous allowance for professional development and continuous learning.


• Exposure to cutting-edge aviation technology and innovative projects.