Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer for a hybrid role in Port Elizabeth. You will lead the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components, applying advanced engineering principles and software tools to ensure safety and performance across the product lifecycle.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in structural analysis, materials, and aerospace design standards, contributing to next-generation aviation platforms in a collaborative team

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• 7+ years in aerospace structural design and analysis.
• Experience with FEA software (ANSYS/NASTRAN).
• Knowledge of composites, metals, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of aircraft components using FEA software.
• Design and optimize structural concepts for weight and performance.
• Select materials and conduct testing for aerospace applications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for accurate fabrication of structures.
• Develop test plans and oversee structural testing to meet requirements.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA and other standards.
• Prepare technical documentation and present design reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

FEA expertise

Aerospace structures

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the aerospace manufacturing sector, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer to join their innovative team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is integral to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components and systems. You will leverage advanced engineering principles and cutting-edge software tools to ensure the structural integrity, safety, and performance of aircraft. The successful candidate will contribute to the entire lifecycle of aerospace structures, from conceptual design through to production and certification. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record in structural analysis, material science, and a deep understanding of aerospace design standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation aerospace platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of aircraft components and assemblies using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.


• Design and develop new structural concepts and optimize existing designs for weight reduction and performance enhancement.


• Conduct material selection and testing to ensure suitability for aerospace applications.


• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient and accurate fabrication of structural components.


• Develop test plans and oversee structural testing to validate designs against performance requirements.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant aerospace regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA).


• Prepare detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations for design reviews.


• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on structural design and analysis.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aerospace structural design and analysis.


• Proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent.


• Strong understanding of composite materials, metallic alloys, and manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace.


• Knowledge of aircraft certification requirements and standards.


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


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement planning, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development.

You will be part of a collaborative team working on exciting projects within the Port Elizabeth aerospace hub. Join us and contribute to the future of aviation.