Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development

Remote work flexibility

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa. Lead structural design, analysis, and certification of aircraft components, leveraging advanced FEA and coordination with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates hold a master's or PhD in aerospace structures, 7+ years' experience, and deep knowledge of airworthiness standards. Strong independence and communication skills are essential for a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering with a focus on structures.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive aircraft structural design/analysis experience.
• Strong proficiency in FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran) and materials knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and certification of aircraft components and systems.
• Perform advanced FEA to assess stress, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
• Develop and validate structural models with test data correlation.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering (structures)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in aviation design and manufacturing, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Aircraft Structures Engineer to join their innovative and fully remote engineering division. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in structural analysis, design, and certification on cutting‑edge aircraft projects from the comfort of your home office. You will be responsible for leading the structural integrity assessment of new aircraft designs and modifications, ensuring compliance with rigorous international airworthiness standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in finite element analysis (FEA), material science, and aerospace structural principles. As a remote‑first employee, you will collaborate seamlessly with a distributed team of engineers and designers using advanced digital tools. This role is crucial for maintaining our client's reputation for safety, reliability, and aerodynamic excellence. We are looking for a proactive and self‑motivated individual who thrives in an independent work environment and is passionate about advancing aerospace structural technology. This role is open to candidates located anywhere within South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design, analysis, and certification of aircraft components and systems, including airframes, wings, and empennage.
• Perform advanced finite element analysis (FEA) using industry‑standard software to assess stress, strain, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
• Develop and validate structural models, ensuring accuracy and correlation with test data.
• Interpret and apply airworthiness regulations (e.g., EASA CS‑25, FAR Part 25) to structural design and certification activities.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists, materials engineers, and manufacturing engineers to optimize structural design for performance, weight, and manufacturability.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior structural engineers and provide technical guidance on complex projects.
• Oversee structural testing programs, including static, dynamic, and fatigue tests.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables related to structural engineering tasks in a remote setting.
• Identify and propose innovative solutions to structural challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structures.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft structural design and analysis.
• Extensive proficiency with FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, fatigue and fracture mechanics, composite structures, and metallic structures.
• Demonstrated experience with structural testing and validation.
• Knowledge of airworthiness certification processes and standards.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts effectively in a remote context.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• We provide generous opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training courses, technical conferences, and professional certifications.
• As a fully remote role, you benefit from unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance, eliminating commute time and allowing you to structure your workday effectively.
• You will be part of a forward‑thinking organization at the forefront of aviation innovation, working on challenging and rewarding projects.
• Additional benefits include performance bonuses and a supportive remote work culture with regular virtual team engagement.
• Join a team that values your expertise and empowers you to contribute to the future of flight from anywhere in South Africa .