Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer in Paarl to lead design and analysis of airframes, using FEA tools like ANSYS and NASTRAN. You will develop models, validate testing methods, and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards.

The role requires 8+ years in aircraft structures, strong CAD skills, and experience with composites and alloys. You will mentor juniors, prepare certification documents, and collaborate across manufacturing teams on on-site projects.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering with specialization in structural mechanics.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Extensive experience with FEA packages and solid understanding of structural mechanics principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for structural design.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials (composites, alloys) and their properties.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and airworthiness regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and mentoring of junior engineers.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa; based in or willing to relocate to Paarl.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural design and analysis for aircraft components and airframes, including fuselage, wings, and control surfaces.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and vibration analyses using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Develop and validate structural models and test methodologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and supportable.
• Ensure designs meet aerospace standards, specifications, and airworthiness requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and certification reports.
• Lead structural design reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Investigate failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay current with aerospace materials and analysis techniques.
• Contribute to development of new design concepts and technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Report writing

Presentation skills

Quality assurance

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng (structural mechanics)

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished aerospace engineering firm located in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA , is seeking a highly competent Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer. This role is central to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structural components and systems. You will be involved in projects ranging from conceptual design to structural certification, ensuring the integrity, durability, and safety of aircraft airframes. The position requires extensive knowledge of material science, stress analysis, and fatigue life prediction, utilizing advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools. This is a critical on-site role, demanding full dedication to our engineering hub in Paarl , where collaboration and precision are paramount for developing state-of-the-art aerospace structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural design and analysis for aircraft components and airframes, including fuselage, wings, and control surfaces.
• Conduct stress analysis, fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Develop and validate structural models and test methodologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to ensure structural designs are manufacturable and supportable.
• Ensure structural designs meet all relevant aerospace standards, specifications, and airworthiness requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, analysis reports, and certification documentation.
• Lead structural design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay current with advancements in aerospace materials, structural analysis techniques, and design tools.
• Contribute to the development of new structural design concepts and technologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structural mechanics.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Extensive experience with FEA software packages and solid understanding of structural mechanics principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for structural design.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials (composites, alloys) and their properties.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes and airworthiness regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and be based in or willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area for this essential on-site position.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, reflecting the expertise and experience required.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and research participation.
• Generous annual leave and company-wide bonuses based on performance.
• Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace engineering projects and advanced analytical tools.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment dedicated to engineering excellence and innovation.
• Be at the forefront of structural engineering in the aviation industry.