Senior Aeronautical Engineer - Structures

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Cutting-edge facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Aeronautical Engineer specializing in structures to lead design, analysis and verification of aircraft structural integrity. You will perform FEA using NASTRAN/ANSYS/Abaqus, develop test plans, conduct fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with FAR Part 23/25 and related standards.

This hands-on role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and relocation assistance for

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field with structures specialization.
• Experience: minimum of 8 years in aerospace structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency with FEA software (NASTRAN/ANSYS/Abaqus) and CAD tools.
• Strong knowledge of composite and metallic materials and their behavior under loads.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft components using advanced FEA software.
• Develop and validate structural test plans; oversee testing and interpret results.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA

Fatigue analysis

Fracture mechanics

CAD tools

Aerospace standards

Team mentorship

Education

Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering (Structures)

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role Our client, a distinguished name in the aerospace manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aeronautical Engineer specializing in Structures to join their esteemed team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is crucial for the design, analysis, and verification of aircraft structural integrity. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our aircraft meet the most stringent safety and performance standards. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of material science, stress analysis, and structural dynamics within the context of aerospace applications. You will work on innovative projects, collaborating with a talented group of engineers to push the boundaries of aeronautical design. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant aviation projects and advance your career in a challenging and rewarding field. We are looking for a meticulous and results-oriented engineer passionate about structural integrity and aerospace innovation. The role requires a hands-on approach and a commitment to excellence in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft components and assemblies using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Develop and validate structural test plans, oversee testing, and interpret results to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and fracture mechanics analysis on composite and metallic aircraft structures.
• Collaborate with design teams to integrate structural requirements into overall aircraft design.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aviation standards and regulations (e.g., FAR Part 23/25, MIL-STD).
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies, identifying root causes and proposing corrective actions.
• Prepare technical documentation, including stress reports, analysis summaries, and design justifications.
• Mentor junior structural engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute expert knowledge on structural integrity.
• Stay current with advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and analytical techniques for aerospace structures.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with a specialization in structures.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in aerospace structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus) and CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, metallic alloys, and their behavior under various load conditions.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and computational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and further education.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation and testing facilities.
• A stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation in Pretoria .
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.