Remote Senior Aerospace Propulsion Systems Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Remote; ZAR 600,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advanced health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aerospace Propulsion Systems Engineer for a fully remote role in South Africa. The position focuses on design, development, and testing of propulsion systems for aircraft and spacecraft, with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Ph.D. in propulsion-focused aerospace or mechanical engineering, has 8+ years of propulsion experience, and is proficient with CFD/FEA and system modeling tools.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering with propulsion focus.
• 8+ years of propulsion design/analysis experience.
• Proficiency in CFD/FEA and system modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize propulsion systems (jet, rocket, and alternative).
• Develop performance models and simulations for propulsion systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of propulsion components and systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in a remote setting.
• Prepare technical documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure propulsion designs meet performance, safety, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Combustion

Turbomachinery

CFD

FEA

System modeling

Propulsion knowledge

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering (Propulsion specialization)

Tools

CFD software

FEA software

System modeling software

Job description

Senior Aerospace Propulsion Systems Engineer

Salary: R600,000 - R950,000 per year.

Our client, a globally recognized leader in aerospace innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Aerospace Propulsion Systems Engineer to join a fully remote engineering team. This role is central to the design, development, and testing of next‑generation aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems. You will be working on cutting‑edge projects, contributing to the advancement of efficient and sustainable aerospace technologies from your home office, ideally situated within commuting distance of Welkom, Free State, ZA or Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize aerospace propulsion systems, including jet engines, rocket engines, and alternative propulsion technologies.
• Develop detailed performance models and simulations for propulsion systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of propulsion system components and full systems.
• Investigate and resolve complex technical issues related to propulsion system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g., aerodynamics, materials science, controls) in a remote setting.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure propulsion system designs meet performance, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in propulsion technology and industry best practices.
• Manage project tasks and deliverables related to propulsion system development.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in propulsion.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aerospace propulsion system design and analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, and turbomachinery.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and system modeling software.
• Experience with various propulsion types (e.g., turbofan, turboprop, ramjet, rocket).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, crucial for a remote role.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a virtual environment.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and certification processes related to propulsion systems.
• Must be eligible to work remotely from Welkom, Free State, ZA or Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including advanced health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Our client is dedicated to employee growth, providing opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and participation in industry conferences. As a remote employee, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home while being an integral part of a world‑class engineering team. We foster an innovative and inclusive culture that encourages creativity and rewards excellence. Contribute to groundbreaking aerospace projects and shape the future of propulsion.