Senior Aeronautical Engineer (Structural Analysis)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Cutting-edge technology

Collaborative environment

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Aeronautical Engineer specializing in Structural Analysis to join our aviation client. You will lead advanced FEA studies and ensure the integrity and reliability of aircraft structures to meet global safety and performance standards.

A Master’s or Ph.D. in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering with at least 8 years of aerospace structural analysis experience is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in aerospace structural analysis.
• Proficiency in FEA software (ANSYS, MSC Nastran, Abaqus) and pre/post-processing tools.
• Strong understanding of material science, solid mechanics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and vibration analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for scripting and data analysis is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive stress analysis on aircraft components using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, MSC Nastran, Abaqus).
• Perform fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis to predict lifespan and reliability of structures.
• Develop and validate mathematical models for structural behavior and dynamic responses.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for manufacturability and performance.
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory submission documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve analysis methodologies.
• Support design reviews and root cause analysis of structural issues.

Skills

FEA

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

MSC Nastran

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the aviation sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Aeronautical Engineer with a specialization in Structural Analysis to join their dynamic team in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a pivotal role where you will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity, safety, and performance of cutting‑edge aircraft structures. You will work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering, contributing to the development and maintenance of aircraft that meet the most stringent global standards. The role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career within a supportive and innovative environment, where your expertise will be valued and recognized. We are looking for a proactive individual with a passion for aerospace and a proven track record in structural analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive stress analysis on aircraft components and systems using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).


• Perform fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis to predict the lifespan and reliability of structural components under various loading conditions.


• Develop and validate mathematical models and simulations for structural behavior, including static and dynamic responses.


• Collaborate closely with design engineers to provide critical feedback on structural design for manufacturability and performance optimization.


• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation industry standards, regulations, and customer specifications.


• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis processes and methodologies.


• Participate in design reviews, root cause analysis of structural failures, and recommend corrective actions.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and structural analysis techniques in the aerospace industry.


• Support flight test instrumentation planning and data analysis related to structural loads.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aerospace structural analysis.


• Demonstrated expertise in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, MSC Nastran, Abaqus) and pre/post-processing tools.


• Strong understanding of material science, solid mechanics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and vibration analysis.


• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for scripting and data analysis is highly desirable.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly.


• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Experience with composite materials analysis is a significant advantage.


• Familiarity with aircraft certification processes (e.g., EASA, FAA) is a plus.


• Must be eligible to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary package


• comprehensive health insurance


• retirement benefits


• generous paid time off


• continuous professional development opportunities


• access to cutting‑edge technology


• collaborative work environment


• relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates

This role is based in **Pietermaritzburg**, offering a chance to live and work in a vibrant South African city with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.