Senior Aerospace Engineer - Aerodynamics Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonus

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Access to simulation tools

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aerospace Engineer specialized in Aerodynamics in Pretoria, blending on-site lab work with remote analysis tasks. You will lead aerodynamic design, develop CFD models, and oversee wind tunnel testing, driving innovative solutions across aircraft and spacecraft programs.

The role requires 7+ years in aerospace aerodynamics, advanced CFD expertise, and strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering with Aerodynamics.
• Minimum 7 years experience in aerospace aerodynamics, including design, analysis and testing.
• Expertise in CFD software and pre/post-processing tools.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics and thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic design and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft components.
• Develop and validate CFD models using industry-standard software.
• Plan and execute wind tunnel tests and analyze results.
• Investigate aerodynamic issues and inform design decisions.
• Perform stability and control analysis and assess performance.
• Collaborate with structural, propulsion, and systems engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Prepare technical reports and project presentations.

Skills

CFD software

Python

MATLAB

Wind tunnel testing

Aerospace engineering

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Star-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the aerospace industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aerospace Engineer with a specialization in Aerodynamics . This hybrid role, based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA , will involve critical work on the design, analysis, and testing of advanced aircraft and spacecraft systems. You will be instrumental in optimizing aerodynamic performance, conducting wind tunnel testing, and developing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. This position requires a deep understanding of fluid dynamics principles and a proven ability to apply them to complex aerospace challenges. The successful candidate will lead aerodynamic design efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. We are looking for a proactive individual with a passion for innovation and a commitment to achieving excellence in aerospace engineering. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and shape the future of flight. The role requires a balance of on-site engagement for lab work and team collaboration, alongside remote flexibility for focused analysis and design tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the aerodynamic design and analysis of new aircraft and spacecraft components.
• Develop and validate CFD models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+).
• Plan and execute wind tunnel tests, analyzing results to validate simulations and inform design decisions.
• Investigate and resolve aerodynamic issues encountered during design, development, and flight testing.
• Perform stability and control analysis, and assess aircraft performance characteristics.
• Collaborate with structural, propulsion, and systems engineers to ensure integrated system design.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on aerodynamic principles and methods.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for project reviews.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in aerodynamic technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Aerodynamics.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aerospace aerodynamics, including design, analysis, and testing.
• Expertise in CFD software packages and pre/post-processing tools.
• Strong theoretical foundation in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proven experience with wind tunnel testing methodologies and data reduction.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for data analysis and automation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Experience with aircraft systems integration and performance analysis is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and an annual performance-based bonus.
• We provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including support for advanced certifications and conference attendance.
• Employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art simulation tools and testing facilities located in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA .
• The company promotes a healthy work-life balance through its hybrid work model, offering flexibility while ensuring essential team collaboration and operational needs are met.