Lead Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Components

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive remuneration package

Access to advanced simulation tools

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for a premier aerospace technology firm. This remote role lets you influence flight development from home, with responsibility for leading mechanical design, analysis, and risk management across global projects.

The successful candidate will bring 10+ years in aerospace, strong leadership, and expertise in CAD/CAE, delivering reliable, high‑performance flight components while collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams in a remote setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related aerospace discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with ≥5 years in aerospace.
• Expertise in CATIA V5/V6 and NX; experience with NASTRAN and ANSYS.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, composites and flight hardware manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, communication, and remote collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with DO-160 and MIL-STD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for aerospace mechanical projects.
• Oversee the complete design lifecycle from concept to validation.
• Develop 3D models and 2D drawings in CATIA/NX per AS9100.
• Perform structural, modal, fatigue and thermal analyses for flight systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across remote environments.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations and client specs.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive DFMA and continuous improvement.
• Manage project timelines and resources, mitigate risks.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (aerospace)

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

NX

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier aerospace technology firm, is actively seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead the design and development of critical aerospace components. This position is entirely remote, offering a unique chance to influence the future of flight from your home environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in aerospace mechanical systems, a strong leadership capability, and a dedication to achieving the highest standards of engineering excellence. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the reliability and performance of cutting‑edge aerospace technologies, contributing significantly to projects based in or impacting Cape Town. This role demands a proactive approach and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, intellectually stimulating setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for mechanical engineering projects related to aerospace components.
• Oversee the complete design lifecycle, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, testing, and validation.
• Develop and refine complex 3D models and 2D drawings using advanced CAD software, adhering to aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Conduct rigorous analytical work, including structural analysis, modal analysis, fatigue life prediction, and thermal management for flight systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, materials scientists, avionics specialists, and manufacturing partners, leveraging remote communication tools.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant aerospace regulations, safety standards, and client specifications.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly), and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers, fostering their technical and professional development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related aerospace discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years specifically in the aerospace sector, focusing on component design.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, NX) and CAE/FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS).
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, composites, and manufacturing processes suitable for flight hardware.
• Solid understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems as they relate to mechanical components.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex technical projects.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, adapted for remote team dynamics.
• Familiarity with DO-160 and MIL-STD requirements is a plus.
• Must be able to obtain necessary security clearances if required for specific projects originating from Cape Town.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional advancement within the aerospace industry.
• As a fully remote role, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere, contributing to global aerospace innovation while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art simulation tools and will be part of a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.
• Join us in shaping the future of flight from Cape Town.