Mechanical Design Engineer (Aerospace Components)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Cutting-edge aerospace tech

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape seeks a seasoned Mechanical Design Engineer to design, analyze, and validate aerospace components. You will collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and testing teams to ensure high-precision solutions for flight-critical systems.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years in aerospace design, expertise in CATIA and FEA, and deep knowledge of aerospace materials and AS9100 standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related aerospace discipline
• Minimum 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with aerospace focus
• Expertise in aerospace-grade CAD software (CATIA preferred) and advanced FEA packages
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards (AS9100)
• Proven ability to perform complex mechanical analysis and interpret results
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems and flight mechanics
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and precision

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-precision mechanical components and assemblies for aerospace applications using CATIA/SolidWorks
• Perform rigorous engineering analysis including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis using FEA tools
• Create and maintain detailed technical drawings and documentation per aerospace standards (AS9100)
• Collaborate with materials scientists, manufacturing engineers, and QA for feasibility and manufacturability
• Participate in design reviews, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations
• Support prototype development, testing, and qualification processes
• Ensure designs meet performance, safety and regulatory requirements for aerospace
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and mentor junior engineers

Skills

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA

Stress analysis

Thermal analysis

Vibration analysis

Fatigue analysis

Flight mechanics

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA packages

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a high-tech manufacturing firm specializing in precision components for the aerospace industry, seeking a meticulous and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role demands a deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, advanced materials, and stringent quality standards inherent to aerospace applications. You will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating critical components that meet the demanding requirements of flight. This is an on-site position, requiring full dedication to our Paarl, Western Cape facility to ensure close collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and testing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-precision mechanical components and assemblies for aerospace applications using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform rigorous engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis using FEA tools.
• Create and maintain detailed technical drawings, specifications, and documentation in accordance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Collaborate with materials scientists, manufacturing engineers, and quality control personnel to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews, failure analysis, and root cause investigations.
• Support prototype development, testing, and qualification processes.
• Ensure designs meet all performance, safety, and regulatory requirements for aerospace applications.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and share technical expertise.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related aerospace engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion focused on aerospace components.
• Expertise in aerospace-grade CAD software (CATIA preferred) and advanced FEA packages.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., precision machining, composite fabrication), and industry standards.
• Proven ability to perform complex mechanical analysis and interpret results.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems and flight mechanics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and precision.
• Must hold valid work authorization for South Africa and possess a strong understanding of security protocols.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace technology.
• Contribution to significant advancements in the aviation industry.
• Professional development and opportunities for specialized training.
• A dedicated and collaborative engineering environment in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Potential for long-term career growth within a specialized field.