Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Generous annual leave

Advanced training opportunities

Conferences participation

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, seeks a seasoned Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to lead structural design and analysis of aerospace components, ensuring safety, performance and regulatory compliance across programs.

You will perform FEA-based analysis, specify materials, oversee testing and certification activities, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with manufacturing and systems engineering to ensure design for manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a structures specialization.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Proficiency with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS).
• Strong knowledge of materials science, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and aeroelasticity.
• Experience with composite materials design and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft components using FEA.
• Develop engineering drawings, specs, and stress reports.
• Select materials and run trade studies for performance.
• Oversee structural testing, validation, and certification.
• Ensure compliance with FAA/EASA and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and systems engineering for manufacturability.
• Investigate structural issues and propose design improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead structural projects.
• Maintain expertise in advanced composites and metallic structures.
• Contribute to process improvements for Port Elizabeth operations.

Skills

FEA analysis

Aerospace structures

Aeroelasticity

Composite materials

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Remote collaboration

Education

BSc/MSc in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (structures)

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the design and manufacturing of aerospace components, is seeking an experienced Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their innovative team, supporting operations in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role demands expertise in the structural integrity, design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all structural components meet rigorous safety, performance, and regulatory standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned engineer to make a significant impact on aircraft design and development, contributing to the safety and efficiency of air travel. The role offers a high degree of remote work flexibility, allowing for a strong work-life balance while contributing to critical projects for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for aircraft components and assemblies using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.


• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and stress reports.


• Conduct material selection and trade studies for optimal structural performance.


• Oversee structural testing, validation, and certification activities.


• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and customer requirements.


• Collaborate with manufacturing and systems engineering teams to ensure design manufacturability and integration.


• Investigate structural anomalies and propose design modifications or repair solutions.


• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on structural design projects.


• Maintain a deep understanding of advanced composite materials and metallic structures used in aviation.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural design processes and methodologies from Port Elizabeth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structures.


• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.


• Proficiency in using structural analysis software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or similar FEA tools.


• Strong understanding of material science, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and aeroelasticity.


• Experience with composite materials design and manufacturing processes.


• Knowledge of aircraft certification processes and relevant regulatory requirements.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.


• Ability to work autonomously and manage project timelines effectively in a remote setting.


• Proven ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.


• Must be based within or able to commute to the Port Elizabeth region for occasional necessary meetings.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement contributions, and generous annual leave. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, including access to advanced training programs, conferences, and the chance to work on groundbreaking aviation projects. Our client promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Employees benefit from the flexibility of a remote work arrangement while remaining connected to the core engineering functions supporting Port Elizabeth operations.