Lead Structural Analysis Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness programs

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Structural Analysis Engineer in Cape Town to lead a team, develop advanced FEMs, and drive structural integrity across aerospace projects.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in structural analysis with leadership experience, plus expertise in ANSYS/ABAQUS/NASTRAN. You will mentor engineers, collaborate with design and manufacturing, and ensure compliance with FAA/EASA standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in structural analysis with 3+ years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Expertise in ANSYS, ABAQUS, or NASTRAN/PATRAN.
• Experience with composite material analysis and testing.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace standards and certification processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of structural analysis engineers.
• Develop and validate FEMs for complex aerospace structures.
• Perform static, dynamic, fatigue, and thermal analyses.
• Interpret results, identify failure modes, and suggest design changes.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing across the lifecycle.
• Define methodologies and best practices for structural integrity.
• Manage tasks, progress, and report findings to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on software and techniques.
• Contribute to proposals and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA standards.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA

Leadership

Python scripting

Aerospace

Team mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

NASTRAN/PATRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in the aerospace and defense industry, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Structural Analysis Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division. This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Based in the vibrant city of **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**, you will spearhead critical structural integrity assessments for complex aerospace components and systems. You will lead a team of talented analysts, driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in structural mechanics, advanced simulation techniques, and a proven ability to mentor junior engineers. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex engineering challenges into robust, reliable solutions. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of aerospace engineering within our client's innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of structural analysis engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Develop and validate advanced Finite Element Models (FEM) for complex aerospace structures.
• Perform detailed structural analysis, including static, dynamic, fatigue, and thermal stress analysis.
• Interpret simulation results, identify critical failure modes, and recommend design modifications.
• Collaborate with design engineers and manufacturing teams to ensure structural requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.
• Define analysis methodologies and establish best practices for structural integrity assessment.
• Manage analysis tasks, track progress, and report findings to project stakeholders and management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in structural analysis software and techniques.
• Contribute to proposal development and technical documentation for new projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA).

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Structures or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in structural analysis, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in FEA software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or NASTRAN/PATRAN.
• Proven experience with composite material analysis and testing.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, failure theories, and design allowables.
• Excellent knowledge of aerospace industry standards and certification processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex analysis projects.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation is a plus.

Benefits

• competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness programs, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including access to industry conferences and advanced training.
• hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, with dedicated office days for team collaboration and focused remote work periods.
• Join a team that is at the forefront of aerospace innovation and contribute to projects that define the future of flight.
• You will be part of a supportive and dynamic work environment located in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**, with opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized organization.