Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer - Remote

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work (South Africa)

Professional development & training

Conference attendance opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer to join a fully remote team in South Africa. The role focuses on design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures, ensuring safety, performance, and reliability.

Expertise in FEA, materials science, and regulatory standards is essential. You will lead structural design efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production and cost.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace structural design and analysis experience.
• Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) using industry tools.
• Strong knowledge of metallic and composite aerospace structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of aircraft primary and secondary structures under varied loads.
• Perform advanced FEA to validate designs and predict structural response.
• Develop and execute static, dynamic, and fatigue testing plans and interpret results.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure feasible, cost-effective production.

Skills

FEA proficiency

Structures analysis

Problem solving

Technical leadership

Education

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

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

ABAQUS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced aerospace design and manufacturing, is seeking an exceptionally talented Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is pivotal in the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components and systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and tackling complex engineering challenges within a collaborative, remote-first environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in structural mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), and materials science as applied to aerospace applications. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects from the comfort of your home office, working alongside a world-class team of engineers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace culture that values expertise, encourages professional growth, and rewards outstanding contributions. Your work will directly impact the integrity and efficiency of next-generation aircraft.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures, ensuring structural integrity, strength, and durability under various load conditions.
• Perform advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using industry-standard software to simulate structural behavior and validate designs.
• Develop and execute structural testing plans, including static, dynamic, and fatigue testing, and interpret test results.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are feasible for production and cost-effective.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and design teams.
• Contribute to the development of new materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace structures.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant aerospace regulations, industry standards, and customer specifications.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for project reviews and client engagements.
• Troubleshoot structural issues encountered during testing, manufacturing, or operational phases.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives for structural design and analysis processes.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a specialization in structures.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aerospace structural design and analysis, with a strong focus on metallic and composite structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Proficiency in CAD software for structural design, such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Thorough understanding of aerospace materials, including aluminum alloys, titanium, composites, and their manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of aerospace structural testing methodologies (static, dynamic, fatigue).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex technical information.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and regulatory requirements (e.g., EASA, FAA).

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with the seniority and expertise required for this role. As a fully remote position, you benefit from unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within South Africa. We provide opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to advanced training, conferences, and research. You will be part of an innovative and collaborative team working on exciting, cutting-edge aerospace projects. This role in Vereeniging (though remote) allows you to be part of a leading organization that values your expertise and contributions, offering a stimulating career path in the aerospace industry.