Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,003,000 - 3,005,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

PTO and holidays

Retirement plan with matching

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 collaborates with a leading innovator in aerospace technology to recruit a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead design, analysis, and testing of aerospace components and systems for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft.

Join a remote-first team that collaborates globally, tackling challenging problems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving design optimization and cost reduction across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive aerospace mechanical design experience.
• Proficient in CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX and FEA tools.
• Strong knowledge of materials, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics in aerospace.
• Experience with extreme environments and DO-160 desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and analysis of complex mechanical systems and components using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX).
• Perform rigorous structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) to ensure system integrity and performance under extreme conditions.
• Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, systems engineering, and project management throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews, present findings, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Oversee the fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototypes and flight hardware, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for design optimization and cost reduction.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace applications

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in aerospace technology, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic, remote-first engineering team. This pivotal role will involve the design, development, and testing of cutting-edge components and systems for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. The successful candidate will work from a fully remote setup, collaborating virtually with a global team of experts. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and shape the future of aviation and space exploration from the comfort of your home office. The role requires a proactive approach, strong problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles applied to the aerospace sector. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about innovation and driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and analysis of complex mechanical systems and components using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX).
• Perform rigorous structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) to ensure system integrity and performance under extreme conditions.
• Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, systems engineering, and project management throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews, present findings, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Oversee the fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototypes and flight hardware, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for design optimization and cost reduction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on aerospace applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX required) and FEA analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Solid understanding of material science, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics relevant to aerospace.
• Experience with designing for extreme environments, including high altitudes, varying temperatures, and significant G-forces.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and composite fabrication.
• Experience with DO-160 environmental testing and certification processes is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and challenging projects.
• Fully remote work environment fostering work-life balance.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition.