Lead Mechanical Stress Engineer - Aerospace Components

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work

Technology stipend

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & conferences

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Stress Engineer for a remote, high-impact role focused on structural integrity and performance analysis of aerospace components. You will apply advanced analytical techniques and state-of-the-art simulation tools to ensure safety and efficiency, collaborating with global teams and mentoring junior engineers.

The position requires a PhD or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering with 10+ years of aerospace stress experience, strong FEA skills

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical stress analysis in aerospace.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Experience with fatigue, creep, and fracture mechanics analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex mechanical stress analysis on aerospace structures using advanced FEA software.
• Develop and validate analytical models for static, dynamic, and thermal stress analysis.
• Conduct fatigue, fracture mechanics, and vibration analyses for durability under extreme conditions.
• Interpret simulation results, generate comprehensive reports, and provide recommendations to design teams.
• Collaborate remotely with multidisciplinary teams to address structural challenges.
• Define material properties and failure criteria based on data.
• Develop and implement best practices for stress analysis and validation.
• Mentor junior stress engineers to foster technical growth.
• Stay current with advancements in aerospace materials, simulation techniques, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to development of new testing methodologies and verification processes.

Skills

FEA software

Fatigue analysis

Creep analysis

Fracture mechanics

Materials science

Python scripting

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in aerospace engineering, is seeking an exceptional Lead Mechanical Stress Engineer to join their pioneering team. This is a fully remote, high-impact position focused on the structural integrity and performance analysis of critical aerospace components. You will be at the forefront of innovation, applying advanced analytical techniques and state-of-the-art simulation tools to ensure our products meet the most stringent safety and performance standards. This role demands a deep understanding of material science, structural mechanics, and fatigue analysis. You will collaborate with world-class engineers across the globe, contributing to next-generation aircraft and spacecraft designs. As a remote-first organization, we provide the infrastructure and support necessary for our engineers to thrive in a distributed environment, offering unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex mechanical stress analysis on aerospace structures and components using advanced FEA software.
• Develop and validate sophisticated analytical models for static, dynamic, and thermal stress analysis.
• Conduct fatigue, fracture mechanics, and vibration analyses to ensure component durability and reliability under extreme operational conditions.
• Interpret simulation results, generate comprehensive reports, and provide clear recommendations to design teams.
• Collaborate remotely with multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers, materials scientists, and testing personnel, to address structural challenges.
• Define material properties and failure criteria based on extensive research and testing data.
• Develop and implement best practices for stress analysis and validation within the engineering department.
• Mentor and guide junior stress engineers, fostering technical growth and ensuring high-quality analysis.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in aerospace materials, simulation techniques, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development of new testing methodologies and verification processes.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical stress analysis, with a significant focus on aerospace applications.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Demonstrated experience with fatigue, creep, and fracture mechanics analysis.
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials (alloys, composites) and their behavior under various loads.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation of analysis workflows is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to a global, remote team.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience mentoring engineering teams.
• Must be comfortable working autonomously and managing projects effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, reflecting extensive expertise and leadership.
• Comprehensive remote work setup and technology stipend.
• Full health, dental, and vision coverage with premium plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Extensive opportunities for continuous learning, advanced training, and international conferences.
• Flexible working hours and a supportive remote-first culture.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that define the future of flight.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.