Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

Placements24; Vrystaat; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development & training

Generous annual leave

Access to advanced tools

Dynamic, collaborative team

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer based in Upington, Northern Cape, offering a hybrid work setup. You will develop and validate performance models, analyze flight data, and support flight planning, design, and certification activities.

You will mentor junior engineers and contribute to fuel-efficiency optimization and regulatory compliance. The role requires a strong background in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and thermodynamics, with at least seven years of

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on performance.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft performance.
• Strong background in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with flight data analysis and performance tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain aircraft performance models and databases.
• Analyze flight data to assess performance and identify discrepancies.
• Provide performance input for flight planning, operations, and mission analysis.
• Support design and certification with performance data and analysis.
• Conduct studies on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
• Develop procedures for performance monitoring and trend analysis.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on aircraft performance.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Propulsion systems

Flight mechanics

Thermodynamics

Analytics

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Flight simulators

CFD tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aerospace solutions provider based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer. This role is crucial for optimizing aircraft operational efficiency, fuel economy, and flight planning. You will be responsible for analyzing flight data, developing performance models, and providing technical expertise to support airline operations, aircraft design, and certification activities. The position requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics, along with strong analytical and computational skills. This role is offered with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility while ensuring essential on-site collaboration and access to specialized facilities at our Upington location. We are looking for an individual passionate about maximizing aircraft performance and contributing to sustainable aviation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain aircraft performance models and databases.
• Analyze flight data to assess aircraft performance, identify discrepancies, and recommend improvements.
• Provide technical expertise on aircraft performance for flight planning, operations, and mission analysis.
• Support aircraft design and certification processes by providing performance data and analysis.
• Conduct studies on fuel efficiency optimization and emission reduction strategies.
• Develop and implement procedures for performance monitoring and trend analysis.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to address performance-related issues.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation related to aircraft performance.
• Stay abreast of advancements in aircraft performance analysis techniques, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in performance engineering or aerodynamics.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft performance engineering or a related aerospace discipline.
• Proven expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in using performance analysis software and tools (e.g., flight simulators, CFD tools, data analysis software).
• Strong analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with flight data acquisition and analysis is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with aircraft certification standards and processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, demonstrating self-discipline and organizational skills.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and be able to fulfill hybrid work requirements from the Upington, Northern Cape area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and research participation are available.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to advanced performance analysis tools and computational resources.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on technical excellence and innovation.
• Contribute to the optimization and sustainability of aviation operations.