Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace Components

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of advanced aerospace components. The role covers conceptualization, detailed design, analysis, and testing of critical mechanical systems within a hybrid work setup near Mahikeng, North West.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in aerospace mechanical design, strong CAD and FEA proficiency (SOLIDWORKS/CATIA, ANSYS/Abaqus), and hands-on experience with aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in mechanical design with aerospace focus
• Proficient in CAD and FEA tools
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing
• Understanding of aerospace standards and certification processes

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of aerospace mechanical systems from concept to production
• Perform structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools
• Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks or CATIA
• Select materials and processes for weight, strength, and cost considerations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility and producibility
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production hardware
• Ensure compliance with FAA/EASA standards and regulations
• Mentor junior engineers and support team growth
• Stay updated on aerospace design methods and technologies

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA analysis

CAD software

Team collaboration

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

SolidWorks/CATIA

ANSYS/Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative company in the aerospace sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced aerospace components. This role involves conceptualization, design, analysis, and testing of critical mechanical systems and parts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of materials science, structural mechanics, and manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace applications. You will be part of a collaborative R&D team working on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of aerospace technology. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented engineer to make a significant impact on the future of flight. We are looking for a creative problem-solver to join our team, working in a hybrid capacity supporting our operations near Mahikeng, North West.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems and components for aerospace applications, from concept to production.
• Perform detailed structural and thermal analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar software.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace components, considering factors like weight, strength, and cost.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, systems engineering, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and producibility.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production hardware, analyzing results and iterating on designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant aerospace standards and regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical support during manufacturing and assembly.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in aerospace technology and design methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion focused on aerospace components.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar).
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, additive manufacturing), and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and certification processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience working in a hybrid model, potentially supporting operations near Mahikeng, North West.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa and willingness to undergo security clearances if required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. Employees have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including advanced training courses and opportunities to attend industry events. This role provides the chance to work on exciting and innovative projects within the rapidly evolving aerospace sector. The company culture encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Our hybrid work model supports work-life balance. We offer relocation assistance for candidates joining our team near Mahikeng, North West.