Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer for on-site work in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. The role focuses on design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures, ensuring safety and performance across composites and metals.

You will lead FEA-driven developments, collaborate with manufacturing, and mentor junior engineers while adhering to aviation standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years in aerospace structures design & analysis.
• Proficient in FEA software (ANSYS/NASTRAN/Abaqus).
• Familiar with composite materials, metals, and aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze primary and secondary aircraft structures using FEA software.
• Perform stress, fatigue, and damage tolerance analyses for composites and metals.
• Develop and validate structural test plans and oversee testing activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and stress teams to ensure producibility and performance.
• Specify materials, processes, and fabrication techniques for aircraft structures.
• Contribute to development of structural repair schemes and modifications.
• Ensure designs comply with aviation regulations and airworthiness standards (FAA/EASA).
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for design reviews.
• Mentor and guide junior structural engineers.

Skills

FEA

Aerospace structures

Composite materials

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the aerospace manufacturing industry, is looking for a Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer to join their esteemed team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This on-site position is crucial for the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components and systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, safety, and performance of the structures that form the backbone of our client's advanced aircraft. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, and advanced composite materials, coupled with extensive experience in aerospace applications. This role demands meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to innovation, and the ability to work collaboratively within a project team on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze primary and secondary aircraft structures using advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Perform stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance assessments for composite and metallic structures.
• Develop and validate structural test plans and procedures, overseeing testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and stress teams to ensure designs are producible and meet all performance requirements.
• Specify materials, processes, and fabrication techniques for aircraft structures.
• Contribute to the development of structural repair schemes and modifications.
• Ensure all structural designs comply with relevant aviation regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for design reviews and project milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior structural engineers, fostering a high-performance engineering culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in aerospace structures design and analysis.
• Strong proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or Abaqus.
• In-depth knowledge of composite materials, metallic alloys, and manufacturing processes used in aerospace.
• Experience with aircraft structural testing and certification.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations related to structural design and airworthiness.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple project tasks.
• Must be legally eligible to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses. Employees benefit from working in a state-of-the-art facility with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects and technologies is guaranteed. Join a team dedicated to engineering excellence and contribute to the advancement of aviation.