Remote Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Structures

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Equity/bonuses

Access to advanced simulation tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a remote Principal Mechanical Engineer for a visionary aerospace technology company. You will lead the design, analysis, and performance optimization of primary and secondary structures, using high-fidelity FEA and advanced composites.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure compliance with aviation standards while advancing lightweight, high-performance solutions from a home office.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with specialization in Structural Mechanics or Composite Materials.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical/structural engineering with aerospace focus.
• Expertise in advanced composite materials and high-fidelity FEA.
• Experience with aerospace design standards, certification processes, and flight physics.
• Strong leadership and remote collaboration capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and optimization of primary and secondary aerospace structures.
• Develop detailed structural models and perform FEA for static, dynamic, fatigue, and thermal loads.
• Select advanced materials considering performance, weight, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate remotely with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and manufacturing specialists.
• Define and oversee structural testing programs to validate designs and ensure flightworthiness.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and promote best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Aero structural design

FEA

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD or Master in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

CATIA

NX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary aerospace technology company focused on next-generation aircraft components, is seeking an exceptionally talented Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their world-class, fully remote engineering team. This senior role will lead the conceptualization, design, and analysis of critical aerospace structures, contributing to the development of innovative flight systems. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in structural mechanics, advanced composite materials, and high-fidelity FEA simulation, coupled with strong leadership qualities suitable for a remote-first environment. You will work on challenging, impactful projects that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering, collaborating virtually with a highly skilled, global team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of aviation from your home office, driving significant technological advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of primary and secondary aerospace structures, ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace standards (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• Develop detailed structural models and perform advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for static, dynamic, fatigue, and thermal loads.
• Select and specify advanced materials, including composites, alloys, and polymers, considering performance, weight, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate remotely with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, manufacturing specialists, and other disciplines to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Define and oversee structural testing programs (static, fatigue, vibration) to validate designs and ensure flightworthiness.
• Mentor and guide junior structural engineers, fostering technical excellence and promoting best practices in structural design and analysis.
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge technologies, materials, and analytical techniques relevant to aerospace structures.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, design documentation, and present findings to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all designs adhere to safety-critical requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Champion innovation in structural design, seeking opportunities for weight reduction and performance enhancement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics or Composite Materials.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical or structural engineering, with a substantial focus on aerospace applications.
• Expertise in advanced composite materials, structural analysis, and high-fidelity FEA (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS).
• Proven experience with aerospace design standards, certification processes, and flight physics.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring engineering teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to tackle highly complex technical challenges.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) for structural design.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote Principal Mechanical Engineer role offers a top-tier compensation package, including a substantial base salary and performance-based equity or bonuses. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of working from anywhere, contributing to groundbreaking aerospace projects. Our client provides access to advanced simulation tools and resources. You will be part of an elite team pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology, with significant opportunities for professional recognition and career advancement within a rapidly growing and innovative company.