Lead Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analysis

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer with expertise in structural analysis to join our client’s engineering team. This senior role demands strong analytical capability, leadership, and a proven track record in validating designs for complex mechanical systems.

You will perform advanced FEA using ANSYS or Abaqus, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with project managers to define analysis requirements while ensuring compliance with industry codes and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Structural Analysis.
• 8+ years of experience in structural analysis and mechanical design for complex systems.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis and design verification for complex mechanical components and systems.
• Perform advanced FEA to assess stress, fatigue, and vibration.
• Develop and validate simulation models using ANSYS/Abaqus.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in structural analysis techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Structural Analysis)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized structural engineering solutions, is seeking a dynamic Lead Mechanical Engineer with expertise in structural analysis to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This senior position requires a deep understanding of mechanical principles, advanced simulation techniques, and the ability to lead projects focused on the structural integrity of complex systems. You will be responsible for performing critical analyses, guiding junior engineers, and ensuring that designs meet rigorous performance and safety standards. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a strong analytical mindset and a proven ability to solve challenging structural problems. This hybrid role offers a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team engagement within a renowned engineering firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural analysis and design verification for complex mechanical components and systems.
• Perform advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess stress, strain, fatigue, thermal, and vibration characteristics of structures.
• Develop and validate advanced simulation models using industry-standard software packages (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Interpret simulation results and provide clear, actionable recommendations for design improvements.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in the application of structural analysis techniques and best practices.
• Collaborate with design engineers, project managers, and clients to define analysis requirements and objectives.
• Develop and maintain documentation for analysis procedures, methodologies, and results.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations related to structural integrity.
• Contribute to the development of new analysis methodologies and tools.
• Stay current with advancements in structural mechanics, materials science, and computational engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Structural Analysis or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in structural analysis and mechanical design, with a focus on complex systems.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics, material science, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with modal analysis, transient dynamic analysis, and fatigue life prediction.
• Proven ability to interpret complex simulation results and communicate findings effectively.
• Experience in leading engineering tasks or projects.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, collaborating both remotely and on-site in Paarl, Western Cape.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, and the role is based in our offices in Paarl, Western Cape. We support continuous professional development through training, workshops, and conference participation. Join a respected organization known for its technical excellence and innovation in structural engineering. This position offers significant opportunities for career advancement and the chance to work on impactful projects, contributing to the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure and systems.