Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Substantial pension fund

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer to optimize aircraft performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce operational costs. You will analyze flight data, models, and environmental factors to develop performance strategies across the fleet.

The role requires a PhD/Master's in aerospace/related field and 8+ years of experience, with strong MATLAB/Simulink skills and knowledge of EASA/FAA/SACAA regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering.
• Proven expertise in aircraft performance analysis, aerodynamics, thermodynamics.
• Strong proficiency in performance analysis software and data analysis techniques (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Deep understanding of aircraft systems, engines, and flight operations.
• Knowledge of aviation performance regulations (EASA, FAA, SACAA).
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with diverse teams.
• FDM systems experience is a plus.
• Ability to work full-time from East London facility.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing aircraft performance data to identify areas for improvement.
• Developing and refining performance models and software tools.
• Optimizing cruise altitude, speeds, and routes for fuel efficiency.
• Monitoring environmental factors affecting performance.
• Ensuring compliance with aviation performance regulations and standards.
• Collaborating with flight crew and operations to implement improvements.
• Investigating performance anomalies and recommending corrective actions.
• Staying current with aerospace advancements and techniques.
• Preparing technical reports and presentations on analyses and recommendations.
• Contributing to selection/evaluation of new aircraft types from performance perspective.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quantitative skills

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Flight data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Engineering (related field)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

FDM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading airline operator based in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer. This role is responsible for optimizing aircraft performance to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with flight performance regulations. The engineer will conduct detailed analyses of aircraft systems, flight data, and environmental factors to develop performance strategies and recommendations. Working from our East London operational base, you will collaborate closely with flight operations, maintenance, and engineering departments to implement performance improvements across the fleet. This position demands a strong technical background and a passion for driving operational excellence in the aviation sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzing aircraft performance data (e.g., fuel burn, climb rates, descent profiles) to identify areas for improvement.
• Developing and refining aircraft performance models and software tools.
• Calculating and optimizing flight parameters, including cruise altitudes, speeds, and routes, to maximize fuel efficiency.
• Monitoring and analyzing the impact of environmental factors (weather, air traffic control) on aircraft performance.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant aviation performance regulations and standards.
• Collaborating with the flight crew and operations team to implement performance-enhancing procedures.
• Conducting investigations into performance anomalies and recommending corrective actions.
• Staying current with advancements in aircraft technology and performance engineering techniques.
• Preparing technical reports and presentations on aircraft performance analysis and recommendations.
• Contributing to the selection and evaluation of new aircraft types from a performance perspective.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Proven expertise in aircraft performance analysis, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Strong proficiency in performance analysis software, simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), and data analysis techniques.
• Deep understanding of aircraft systems, engines, and flight operations.
• Knowledge of aviation performance regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA).
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience working with flight data monitoring (FDM) systems is a plus.
• Ability to work full-time from our East London facility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical aid, a substantial pension fund, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development including attending international aerospace conferences and specialized training courses.
• You will be part of a dynamic airline committed to operational efficiency and sustainability.
• This role offers significant impact on cost savings and operational performance for the entire fleet, based at our East London hub.
• Enjoy a challenging and rewarding career where your analytical skills directly contribute to the company's success.