Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace Components

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Remote-work flexibility

Access to cutting-edge tools

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to drive concept to production for aerospace components in a fully remote setting. You will lead complex designs, perform rigorous analyses, and collaborate with a global team to ensure performance and manufacturability.

The role demands a masters-level background, 8+ years in aerospace mechanical design, and strong CAD/FEA skills (CATIA/NX/Abaqus).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is required.
• 8+ years of progressive mechanical design experience in aerospace.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and FEA tooling for aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing, and standards (AS9100).

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and detailed engineering of complex aerospace components using advanced CAD.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analyses (FEA) to ensure integrity under extreme conditions.
• Develop designs for manufacturability using high-precision production methods and materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across time zones to integrate systems.
• Create and maintain drawings, specs, and reports per aerospace standards.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation with expert troubleshooting.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote remote-team technical growth.
• Stay updated on new technologies and contribute to R&D initiatives.
• Ensure designs meet aerospace certifications and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

3D CAD

Aerospace materials

Remote work independence

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

CATIA

NX

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced aerospace components, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their cutting-edge, remote-first team. This role is pivotal in driving the innovation and development of critical aerospace systems, from concept through to production. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and simulation to create high-performance, lightweight, and reliable components. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects in the aerospace industry while enjoying the flexibility of a fully remote work environment. You will collaborate with a global team of experts, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace engineering. We value innovation, precision, and a commitment to excellence in this critical sector. This role offers a chance to shape the future of flight technology from the comfort of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and detailed engineering of complex aerospace mechanical components and systems using advanced CAD software.
• Perform rigorous engineering analyses, including structural, thermal, and vibration analysis (FEA), to ensure component integrity and performance under extreme conditions.
• Develop and optimize designs for manufacturability, considering advanced materials and high-precision production techniques relevant to the aerospace industry.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, materials scientists, and manufacturing specialists, across different time zones.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed drawings, specifications, and reports, adhering to strict aerospace industry standards.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation efforts, providing expert insights to troubleshoot and resolve design challenges.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical development within the remote team.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and design methodologies in aerospace engineering and actively contribute to R&D initiatives.
• Ensure all designs comply with rigorous aerospace certifications and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on aerospace components or systems.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and advanced CAE/FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus, Nastran).
• Deep understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and industry-specific standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Demonstrated experience in designing for extreme environments, including high temperatures, pressures, and vibrations.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a distributed, remote team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts.
• Experience with aerodynamic principles and turbomachinery design is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the aerospace field.
• Flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation software and digital design tools.
• Contribution to pioneering projects shaping the future of aviation.