Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Components

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonuses

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement fund contribution

Stock options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead design, analysis, and validation of advanced aerospace systems in Cape Town. You will guide complex projects, mentor engineers, and define design strategies for high-performance air and spacecraft components.

The role requires 10–15 years in mechanical design/analysis within aerospace, with strong CAD/CAE expertise and a track record of delivering through full development lifecycles. Cape Town-based, on-site role.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10-15 years of mechanical design/analysis experience, aerospace preferred.
• Expertise in CAD/CAE tools used in aerospace design (CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, Nastran, Abaqus).
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, fatigue analysis, fracture mechanics, reliability engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and validation of advanced aerospace mechanical systems and components.
• Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses under extreme conditions.
• Oversee full product development lifecycle from concept to production support.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage technical documentation.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Advanced materials

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

Nastran

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

A globally recognized leader in aerospace innovation is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their prestigious research and development division in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior role is critical for the conceptualization, design, and advanced analysis of complex mechanical systems and components integral to next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. The ideal candidate will leverage deep expertise in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and advanced materials to solve challenging engineering problems. You will play a key role in defining design strategies, leading technical projects, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. This position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology with profound impact on the future of aerospace exploration and transportation in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of advanced mechanical systems and components for aerospace applications, adhering to stringent industry standards.
• Develop innovative design solutions by applying advanced engineering principles and utilizing sophisticated CAD/CAE software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX, ANSYS).
• Perform complex structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to ensure system integrity, performance, and reliability under extreme conditions.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and production support.
• Collaborate with internal teams (aerodynamics, avionics, materials science) and external suppliers to ensure successful project execution.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Generate and manage comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, drawings, test plans, and reports.
• Stay at the forefront of aerospace mechanical engineering trends, new materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Contribute to strategic technical planning and risk assessment for major projects.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from a top-tier institution.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of extensive experience in mechanical design and analysis, with a substantial background in the aerospace sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced CAD/CAE software relevant to aerospace design (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, Nastran, Abaqus).
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, fatigue analysis, fracture mechanics, and reliability engineering.
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Superior communication, presentation, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA) and quality management systems.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits suite. This includes premium medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement fund contribution, stock options, and extensive professional development opportunities. You will be part of a pioneering team working on transformative aerospace technologies at our state-of-the-art facility located in Cape Town, Western Cape . The company is committed to fostering a challenging yet rewarding work environment where innovation thrives.