Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and incentives

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development and certific@c

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of aircraft primary and secondary structures. You will apply advanced stress analysis, FEA, and material knowledge to meet aerospace standards and performance targets.

Join a hybrid-focused team delivering innovative aircraft structures, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with aerodynamics, systems, and manufacturing specialists on cutting-edge projects.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Expertise in stress analysis, FEA, and structural dynamics.
• Proficiency with CATIA, SolidWorks, MSC Nastran, Patran, FEMAP.
• Knowledge of composite materials and metallic alloys in aerospace.
• Understanding of aircraft configuration, aerodynamics, and systems integration.
• Experience with aviation regulations and airworthiness requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis and design of aircraft components using CAD/CAE tools.
• Analyze airframes under static and dynamic loads, including fatigue and fracture mechanics.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for aircraft structures.
• Develop and validate structural test plans, oversee testing, and analyze test results.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams.
• Create and review drawings, specifications, and reports for structural components.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and provide guidance.
• Stay current with advancements in structural analysis methods and materials.

Skills

Aircraft structures design

Stress analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Structural dynamics

Leadership / mentoring

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

MSC Nastran

Patran

FEMAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the aerospace industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer for their facility in Cape Town, Western Cape. This hybrid position allows for focused engineering work and collaborative project engagement. You will be instrumental in the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft primary and secondary structures, ensuring adherence to stringent aerospace standards and performance requirements. This role demands extensive experience with composite and metallic materials, advanced stress analysis techniques, and a deep understanding of aircraft configuration and aerodynamics. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to innovative aircraft designs and modifications. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for aerospace engineering, a meticulous approach to detail, and a proven ability to deliver complex structural solutions. Join our esteemed team in Cape Town and contribute to the advancement of aviation technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis and design of aircraft components using advanced CAD/CAE software (e.g., CATIA, FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• Analyze the structural integrity of airframes under various static and dynamic loading conditions, including fatigue and fracture mechanics.
• Specify materials (composites, alloys) and manufacturing processes for aircraft structures.
• Develop and validate structural test plans, oversee testing, and analyze test results.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and airworthiness standards (e.g., EASA, SACAA).
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams to optimize structural design.
• Create and review detailed drawings, technical specifications, and reports for structural components.
• Troubleshoot and resolve structural issues identified during design, manufacturing, or flight testing.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay current with advancements in structural analysis methods, materials, and aerospace technologies.
• Contribute to the development of new design methodologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in aircraft structures design and analysis.
• Proven expertise in stress analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and structural dynamics.
• Proficiency with industry-standard CAD/CAE software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, MSC Nastran, Patran, FEMAP.
• Strong knowledge of composite materials, metallic alloys, and their manufacturing processes in aerospace.
• Understanding of aircraft configuration, aerodynamics, and system integration.
• Experience with relevant aviation regulations and airworthiness requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model offering a flexible work environment.
• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge aerospace design and analysis tools.
• Engage in challenging and innovative aircraft design projects.
• Collaborative and supportive engineering culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading aerospace organization.