Lead Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Structures (Remote)

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work

Stock options

Home office allowance

Professional development budget

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer with a focus on advanced structures to lead a fully remote engineering department. You will guide the design, analysis, and testing of structural components for next‑generation aircraft and spacecraft, translating complex theory into manufacturable solutions.

This is a distributed leadership role requiring clear communication, technical depth in FEA and composites, and the ability to steer projects from concept through

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with structures focus
• 10+ years in mechanical/structural design for aerospace
• Experience with advanced composites and manufacturing processes
• Proficient in FEA software: ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus
• Leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects
• Strong remote collaboration and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical structures for aerospace applications
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses, using FEA tools
• Investigate and select advanced materials suitable for extreme operating environments (e.g., composites, advanced alloys)
• Develop innovative manufacturing strategies for complex structural components
• Oversee and guide the work of junior and mid-level mechanical engineers on structural projects
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, and systems engineers
• Define testing requirements and procedures for structural components and assemblies
• Ensure designs meet stringent industry standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and regulatory compliance
• Present technical findings and design proposals to internal stakeholders and clients
• Mentor and develop the technical capabilities of the engineering team

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Project management

Engineering judgment

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

DFMA

Job description

About the Role Our client, a pioneering firm in the aerospace and advanced materials sector, is actively seeking a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer with specialized expertise in advanced structures to join their fully remote engineering department. This pivotal role offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of aerospace design from your home office. You will lead critical projects involving the conceptualization, design, analysis, and testing of novel structural components for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, material behavior under extreme conditions, and innovative manufacturing techniques for high-performance applications. We are looking for a strategic thinker, a natural leader, and a highly collaborative engineer who excels in a distributed team setting. This position requires a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering, a passion for innovation, and the ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into practical, manufacturable designs. The George region's reputation for excellence in engineering makes it a fitting backdrop for this role, though it is entirely remote. You will be responsible for guiding a team of talented engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and creative problem-solving. Our client is dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary for remote success, ensuring you can perform at your highest level. Your work will be integral to developing lighter, stronger, and more efficient aerospace structures, contributing significantly to our client's mission and market leadership. This is a chance to leave your mark on the industry and work on projects that have truly global implications. The team is highly supportive, and we prioritize clear communication and collaboration to overcome any geographical barriers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical structures for aerospace applications.
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses, using FEA tools.
• Investigate and select advanced materials suitable for extreme operating environments (e.g., composites, advanced alloys).
• Develop innovative manufacturing strategies for complex structural components.
• Oversee and guide the work of junior and mid-level mechanical engineers on structural projects.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, and systems engineers.
• Define testing requirements and procedures for structural components and assemblies.
• Ensure designs meet stringent industry standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and regulatory compliance.
• Present technical findings and design proposals to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Mentor and develop the technical capabilities of the engineering team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on structures.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical and structural design, with a significant focus on aerospace.
• Extensive experience with advanced composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Expert-level proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus).
• Deep understanding of structural mechanics, continuum mechanics, and fracture mechanics.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work autonomously and drive projects to completion in a remote setting.
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) for aerospace components.
• Familiarity with regulatory certification processes in the aerospace industry.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Significant impact on groundbreaking aerospace projects.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous stock options package.
• Flexible remote work schedule.
• Allowance for home office setup and maintenance.
• Dedicated budget for professional development and conferences.
• Ample paid time off and holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation tools.
• A culture of innovation and technical excellence.