Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer — Remote

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 2,991,000 - 5,317,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + bonuses

Health insurance

Paid time off

Long-term incentives

Leadership development

R&D facilities access

Remote work environment

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer for a remote role in the aerospace propulsion domain. You will lead concept, design, analysis and testing of innovative propulsion systems for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft, guiding projects from inception to implementation.

You will apply deep knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and combustion, and provide strong leadership, project management, and mentoring to a global engineering team in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• Master or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering with propulsion specialization.
• 10+ years in aerospace propulsion with demonstrated leadership.
• Strong knowledge of gas turbine or rocket propulsion concepts.
• Experience with propulsion system testing and data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of propulsion systems (jet/rocket/alternative).
• Perform performance analysis, simulation, and testing of components.
• Develop system requirements, specs and technical docs.
• Oversee propulsion integration with airframes and subsystems.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources for projects.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures and controls teams.
• Mentor junior propulsion engineers and promote technical excellence.
• Stay current with propulsion tech and identify innovation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Propulsion leadership

Aerospace propulsion

Team leadership

Project management

Simulation tools

Thermodynamics

Education

MS/PhD in Aerospace

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

CFD++

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer for a remote role in the aerospace propulsion domain. You will lead concept, design, analysis and testing of innovative propulsion systems for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft, guiding projects from inception to implementation.

You will apply deep knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and combustion, and provide strong leadership, project management, and mentoring to a global engineering team in a remote-first environment.