Plant Mechanical Engineer: Maintenance & Reliability

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health, dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Advanced Mechanical Engineer in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to lead design and analysis of aerospace structures. The role covers components, assemblies, and flight hardware with emphasis on lightweight, high-strength materials.

The candidate will perform FEA, material selection, testing validation, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to meet stringent aerospace standards and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical design and analysis.
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience with aerospace materials and their behavior under stress.
• Proficiency in CAD/FEA tools CATIA, CREO, NASTRAN and ABAQUS.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards.
• Strong knowledge of fatigue, fracture mechanics and buckling.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications.
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including FEA, for performance and safety.
• Conduct material selection for aerospace-grade materials based on weight and cost.
• Develop and oversee manufacturing processes for prototypes and flight hardware.
• Validate designs via static load, fatigue and vibration testing.
• Collaborate with aerospace engineers to optimize performance and integration.
• Prepare design reports, test plans and certification documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the department.

Skills

Fatigue analysis

Buckling analysis

Fracture mechanics

Structural analysis

Mathematical modeling

Effective communicator

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

CREO

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

AS9100 knowledge

Job description

Advanced Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Structures

About the Role Our client, a renowned leader in aerospace innovation, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Advanced Mechanical Engineer to join their prestigious team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for the design, analysis, and validation of complex aerospace structures and mechanisms. You will work on cutting‑edge projects, contributing to the development of next‑generation aircraft and space exploration technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical and practical understanding of mechanical engineering principles, particularly as they apply to lightweight and high‑strength materials. You will be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of engineering excellence, requiring creativity, precision, and a rigorous analytical approach. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about aerospace advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop intricate mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications, including airframes, propulsion systems, and control surfaces.
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to assess component integrity under extreme conditions.
• Conduct material selection based on strength, weight, thermal properties, and cost considerations for aerospace‑grade materials.
• Develop and oversee the manufacturing process for prototypes and flight‑qualified hardware, working closely with production teams.
• Validate designs through rigorous testing, including static load, fatigue, and vibration testing.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, materials scientists, and systems engineers to achieve optimal performance and integration.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and certification packages.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, specifically within the aerospace sector.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials (e.g., composites, titanium, aluminum alloys) and their behavior under stress.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, CREO) and FEA packages (e.g., NASTRAN, ABAQUS).
• Experience with aerospace manufacturing techniques and quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Strong understanding of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and buckling analysis.
• Excellent analytical problem‑solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a highly regulated and demanding engineering environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant bonus opportunities linked to project milestones.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Substantial paid time off and extended holiday breaks.