Senior Aviation Structural Integrity Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, seeks a Senior Aviation Structural Integrity Engineer to lead analyses ensuring airframe durability and safety across the lifecycle. You will apply FEA methods, fatigue life assessment, and materials selection while collaborating with design teams to embed structural integrity from early design stages.

The role offers access to advanced simulations, testing facilities, relocation support, and a path to professional certification in aviation standards.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering with a structural mechanics focus.
• Minimum 8 years in aviation structural engineering focusing on integrity & durability.
• Experience with FEA software (ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN) & fatigue/fracture mechanics.
• Materials science knowledge for aerospace applications.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft structures, load paths & failure modes.
• Experience with NDT methods and interpretation of results.
• Familiarity with FAA/EASA regulations & certification requirements.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis using FEA to predict stress, strain & fatigue life.
• Develop and implement test plans for static, dynamic, and fatigue testing.
• Analyze test results to validate models and assess performance.
• Investigate structural failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes to meet requirements.
• Collaborate with design engineers to embed structural considerations early.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of structural design standards.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations (FAA, EASA).
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers in structural analysis and testing.

Skills

FEA expertise

Fatigue & fracture mechanics

NDT experience

Aviation regulation knowledge

Analytical thinking

Technical reporting

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier leader in aviation manufacturing and design, is seeking an accomplished Senior Aviation Structural Integrity Engineer to join their dedicated team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This vital role centers on ensuring the structural integrity, durability, and safety of aircraft components and airframes throughout their lifecycle. You will employ advanced analytical techniques, rigorous testing, and deep material science knowledge to assess and enhance structural performance under extreme operational conditions. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the safety and reliability of flight critical structures within a company renowned for its engineering excellence and commitment to the highest aviation standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to predict stress, strain, and fatigue life.
• Develop and implement comprehensive test plans for structural components and materials, including static, dynamic, and fatigue testing.
• Analyze test results and experimental data to validate analytical models and assess structural performance.
• Investigate structural failures or anomalies, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes to meet structural integrity and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure structural considerations are integrated early in the design phase.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of structural design standards and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA) related to structural integrity and airworthiness.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers in the principles of structural analysis and testing.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structural mechanics.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in aviation structural engineering, with a focus on integrity and durability analysis.
• Expertise in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN) and fatigue/fracture mechanics.
• Proficiency in materials science and selection for aerospace applications.
• Strong understanding of aircraft structures, load paths, and failure modes.
• Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of relevant aviation regulations and certification requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on advanced aircraft projects with significant impact.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation and testing facilities.
• Professional development programs and support for advanced certifications.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates moving to Polokwane .
• A dynamic work environment focused on innovation and engineering excellence.
• Clear career progression within a leading aerospace firm.