Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng to lead analysis and simulation of takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing performance under varied conditions. You will develop and validate performance models, interpret flight data, and ensure compliance with aviation standards.

The role requires a strong background in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and propulsion, with proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering required.
• Master's degree desirable for advancement.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering or related field.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and CFD tools; strong data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and predict aircraft performance across takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing phases.
• Develop and validate performance models using analytical methods and simulation tools.
• Assess performance for design, certification, and operational support.
• Evaluate impact of design changes and environmental factors on performance.
• Prepare detailed performance reports and presentations for reviews.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, flight control, and systems engineers.
• Support flight testing by defining objectives and analyzing data.
• Ensure calculations comply with FAA/EASA and industry standards.
• Troubleshoot performance issues during design, testing, or operations.
• Stay updated on advancements in performance modeling and analysis.

Skills

Aerospace knowledge

Aerodynamics

Flight mechanics

Data analysis

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree desirable

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CFD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization in aircraft development and modification, is seeking an accomplished Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer to join their esteemed team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is crucial for optimizing the flight performance of aircraft through rigorous analysis and simulation. You will be responsible for evaluating and predicting aircraft performance characteristics, including takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing, under various operational conditions. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and computational fluid dynamics, contributing to enhanced efficiency, safety, and operational capabilities of aircraft. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence aircraft design and operational parameters in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and predict aircraft performance, including speed, altitude, range, endurance, and fuel efficiency.
• Develop and validate performance models using analytical methods and simulation tools.
• Conduct performance analysis for aircraft design, certification, and operational support.
• Evaluate the impact of design changes, modifications, and environmental factors on aircraft performance.
• Prepare detailed performance reports, documentation, and presentations for engineering and management review.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, flight control engineers, and systems engineers to ensure performance requirements are met.
• Support flight testing activities by defining test objectives, planning test profiles, and analyzing flight data.
• Ensure performance calculations and predictions adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA) and industry standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance-related issues identified during design, testing, or operational phases.
• Stay abreast of advancements in aircraft performance modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering or a related discipline.
• Solid understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, thermodynamics, and propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in performance analysis software, simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), and aerodynamic modeling techniques.
• Experience with flight data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge of aircraft certification standards related to performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
• Candidates must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid, provident fund contributions, and opportunities for annual bonuses based on performance. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees and provide access to continuous training and development opportunities. The work environment in Benoni, Gauteng is collaborative and innovative, allowing engineers to tackle challenging projects and contribute to cutting-edge aviation technology. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aircraft performance.