Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer – Aerospace Structures

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work

Stock options

Home office allowance

Professional development budget

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer with a focus on advanced structures to lead a fully remote engineering department. You will guide the design, analysis, and testing of structural components for next‑generation aircraft and spacecraft, translating complex theory into manufacturable solutions.

This is a distributed leadership role requiring clear communication, technical depth in FEA and composites, and the ability to steer projects from concept through

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with structures focus
• 10+ years in mechanical/structural design for aerospace
• Experience with advanced composites and manufacturing processes
• Proficient in FEA software: ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus
• Leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects
• Strong remote collaboration and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical structures for aerospace applications
• Perform advanced structural analysis, including static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses, using FEA tools
• Investigate and select advanced materials suitable for extreme operating environments (e.g., composites, advanced alloys)
• Develop innovative manufacturing strategies for complex structural components
• Oversee and guide the work of junior and mid-level mechanical engineers on structural projects
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, and systems engineers
• Define testing requirements and procedures for structural components and assemblies
• Ensure designs meet stringent industry standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and regulatory compliance
• Present technical findings and design proposals to internal stakeholders and clients
• Mentor and develop the technical capabilities of the engineering team

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Project management

Engineering judgment

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

DFMA

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer with a focus on advanced structures to lead a fully remote engineering department. You will guide the design, analysis, and testing of structural components for next‑generation aircraft and spacecraft, translating complex theory into manufacturable solutions.

This is a distributed leadership role requiring clear communication, technical depth in FEA and composites, and the ability to steer projects from concept through