Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 2,003,000 - 3,005,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer for a fully remote role. You will design, analyze, and test aircraft structures, ensuring airworthiness and leading structural tasks within a virtual engineering team.

Apply FEA tools (NASTRAN, ANSYS), develop models, mentor juniors, and collaborate with global teams to push aerospace innovations from your home base near Nelspruit.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Eng with structures specialization.
• 8+ years in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Expert in FEA and structural dynamics.
• Experience with FAA/EASA certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced stress analysis and structural integrity assessments using FEA (NASTRAN, ANSYS).
• Contribute to conceptual and detailed aircraft structure design.
• Develop analytical models and simulation techniques for structural behavior.
• Lead structural testing programs and review results.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Present findings to project teams and stakeholders.

Skills

FEA

Aerospace materials

Remote collaboration

Project leadership

Airworthiness regs

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Master's/PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Eng (Structures)

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in aerospace solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft structures. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of advanced aircraft. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record in structural analysis, a deep understanding of materials science, and extensive experience with aerospace structural design principles. This role demands exceptional analytical skills, a meticulous approach to problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a virtual, high-performing engineering environment. Your expertise will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering from your home base, potentially in or near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced stress analysis and structural integrity assessments for aircraft components and assemblies using FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS).
• Contribute to the conceptual and detailed design of aircraft structures, ensuring compliance with airworthiness requirements.
• Develop and validate analytical models and simulation techniques for structural behavior.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are feasible for fabrication.
• Conduct material selection and evaluation for optimal structural performance and weight efficiency.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and test plans.
• Lead structural testing programs, analyze test results, and provide recommendations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends, new materials, and advanced structural analysis techniques.
• Author technical reports and present findings to project teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structures.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural dynamics.
• Proficiency with industry-standard FEA software packages.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, composite structures, and failure modes.
• Experience with aircraft certification processes and airworthiness regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects effectively.
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical tasks or projects.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering significant flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced training.
• Involvement in cutting-edge aerospace projects with a global impact.
• Potential for career advancement into leadership roles.