Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer to join our client in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. The role focuses on optimizing aircraft performance across the lifecycle, from design to operation, including modeling, validation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The candidate will work on advanced programs, analyze flight dynamics and fuel efficiency, and ensure safety and compliance through rigorous performance analyses and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field with specialization in performance or flight mechanics.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft performance engineering.
• Proven experience in developing and validating aircraft performance models.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of aircraft performance, including climb, cruise, descent, and landing performance.
• Develop and validate mathematical models for aircraft performance simulation using industry-standard software.
• Analyze flight test data to assess and verify predicted aircraft performance.
• Optimize aircraft design parameters to achieve desired performance objectives, such as fuel efficiency and range.
• Provide performance data and expertise to support aircraft design, certification, and operational support teams.
• Evaluate the impact of modifications and upgrades on aircraft performance.
• Develop performance charts and operational manuals for flight crews and operational planning.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, and flight control engineers to ensure integrated performance solutions.
• Stay updated on advancements in aircraft performance analysis techniques and technologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NPSS

PROOSIS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in aircraft design and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer to join their dedicated team in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. This on-site role is fundamental to optimizing aircraft performance throughout their lifecycle, from initial design to operational flight. You will be responsible for analyzing, simulating, and validating aircraft performance characteristics, including flight dynamics, fuel efficiency, and operational envelope. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics, coupled with practical experience in performance modeling and analysis. This position offers the opportunity to work on advanced aircraft programs and contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of aircraft performance, including climb, cruise, descent, and landing performance.
• Develop and validate mathematical models for aircraft performance simulation using industry-standard software.
• Analyze flight test data to assess and verify predicted aircraft performance.
• Optimize aircraft design parameters to achieve desired performance objectives, such as fuel efficiency and range.
• Provide performance data and expertise to support aircraft design, certification, and operational support teams.
• Evaluate the impact of modifications and upgrades on aircraft performance.
• Develop performance charts and operational manuals for flight crews and operational planning.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, and flight control engineers to ensure integrated performance solutions.
• Stay updated on advancements in aircraft performance analysis techniques and technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field with a specialization in performance or flight mechanics.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering.
• Proven experience in developing and validating aircraft performance models.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in performance analysis software and tools (e.g., NPSS, PROOSIS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience with flight test data analysis and reduction.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations related to aircraft performance and certification.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a project team on-site.
• Must be legally eligible to work on-site in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and potential for performance bonuses.
• Employees have the opportunity to work on challenging and innovative aircraft projects in a professional environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities are supported.
• Join a respected aviation organization committed to engineering excellence and advancing flight technology.