Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer - Pretoria

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 646,000 - 1,107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Contract-based engagement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer for a remote contract role with occasional travel. The candidate will perform detailed structural analyses, optimize designs for weight and performance, select materials, and prepare drawings and documentation for aerospace applications.

You will collaborate with teams to ensure producibility, investigate failures, and stay current with aerospace standards and technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency with FEA software (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS).
• Strong materials science, mechanics of materials and structural dynamics knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis of aircraft components using FEA software.
• Design and optimize structural concepts for weight reduction and performance.
• Select materials, test and qualify aerospace applications.
• Create engineering drawings, specs, and documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure producibility of designs.
• Investigate failures and provide timely technical solutions.
• Stay updated on advances in structural analysis and materials science.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert input.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (FAA, EASA).
• Contribute to proposals and project planning.

Skills

FEA analysis

Structural design

Independent work

Problem-solving

Education

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

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aerospace research and development firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer for a challenging contract role, remotely based but with occasional travel requirements. This position will involve designing, analyzing, and testing advanced aircraft structures, ensuring their integrity, safety, and performance under extreme conditions. You will be a key contributor to innovative projects, working with cutting-edge materials and technologies. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to apply their expertise to impactful aerospace initiatives. The role requires a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical application in a demanding sector. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis of aircraft components and systems using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Design and develop new structural concepts and optimize existing designs for weight reduction and improved performance.
• Conduct material selection, testing, and qualification for aerospace applications.
• Create and review detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to ensure designs are producible and meet assembly requirements.
• Investigate structural failures or performance issues, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Stay current with advancements in structural analysis techniques, materials science, and aerospace technologies.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert technical input.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant aerospace standards and regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• Contribute to proposal development and project planning activities.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in aerospace structural design and analysis.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Strong understanding of material science, mechanics of materials, and structural dynamics.
• Experience with composite materials and their manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of aerospace design standards and certification requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa and willingness to undergo security vetting if required.

Benefits

This contractor role offers a highly competitive daily rate, providing financial reward for your expertise. While remote, you will have access to a collaborative online platform and virtual team-building activities. Opportunities for contract extension and involvement in groundbreaking projects are abundant. This position offers unparalleled flexibility for professionals seeking challenging work within the aerospace industry, regardless of their physical location, with a focus on delivering impactful results for our client.