Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer — Hybrid

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional growth opportunities

State-of-the-art engineering tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Aircraft Performance Engineer to join its engineering team in Nelspruit. The role focuses on optimizing aircraft efficiency, range and payload through rigorous analysis and modeling.

You will collaborate with design, flight test and operations teams to meet performance specs and advance aviation technology. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering with 5+ years of experience, strong aerodynamics and propulsion knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aircraft performance analysis and engineering.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and flight mechanics.
• Proficiency with performance analysis software and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, specialized aerospace software).
• Experience interpreting and analyzing flight test data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of aircraft performance data, including climb, cruise, and descent phases.
• Develop and refine mathematical models to predict and optimize aircraft performance parameters (e.g., fuel efficiency, speed, altitude).
• Evaluate the impact of design changes and modifications on overall aircraft performance.
• Plan and execute performance testing campaigns with flight test engineers.
• Analyze flight test results and validate performance models.
• Provide performance-related technical support to design, manufacturing, and operational teams.

Skills

Aeronautical engineering

Flight mechanics

Aerodynamics

Propulsion systems

MATLAB

Python

Flight test data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Aerospace simulation software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an Aircraft Performance Engineer to join its engineering team in Nelspruit. The role focuses on optimizing aircraft efficiency, range and payload through rigorous analysis and modeling.

You will collaborate with design, flight test and operations teams to meet performance specs and advance aviation technology. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering with 5+ years of experience, strong aerodynamics and propulsion knowledge, and