Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace Structures

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development budget

Paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a remote-first global team. You will design and analyze aerospace structures, deliver detailed CATIA/SolidWorks models and FEA results, and collaborate across time zones to meet stringent standards.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in aerospace design, expertise in CATIA/SAF, NASTRAN/ANSYS, and a strong materials background. Remote work is supported from Durban or other approved locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 7+ years in mechanical design for aerospace structures or airframe components.
• Proficient with CATIA/SolidWorks and FEA tools (NASTRAN/ANSYS).
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working remotely with distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of aerospace structural components, ensuring integrity under extreme conditions.
• Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using CATIA or SolidWorks; perform FEA for structural analysis.
• Collaborate with global engineers via virtual tools and ensure compliance with AS9100/FAA/EASA.
• Support prototype testing, data analysis, and iterative design improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in a remote team.

Skills

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

FEA software

Material science

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NASTRAN/PATRAN

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of aerospace innovation and is seeking an accomplished Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their fully remote, high-caliber team. This role is critical for the design and development of advanced aerospace structures and components. As a remote-first organization, we value autonomy, collaboration, and the ability to deliver exceptional results from anywhere. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering, working on projects that redefine flight technology. This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated engineer to contribute their expertise to impactful missions, operating remotely and collaborating with a global network of experts. If you are passionate about aerospace and excel in a remote setting, this role in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA (or other remote locations) is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and analysis of complex aerospace structural components and systems, ensuring structural integrity and performance under extreme conditions. Develop detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using industry-leading software such as CATIA or SolidWorks. Perform advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess stress, strain, vibration, and thermal characteristics of aerospace structures. Collaborate effectively with a geographically dispersed team of engineers, including stress analysts, materials specialists, and manufacturing engineers, via virtual collaboration tools. Ensure designs comply with stringent aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA/EASA regulations) and customer specifications. Contribute to material selection processes, considering factors like strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue life, and environmental resistance. Support prototype development, testing, and validation activities, analyzing test data to refine designs. Identify and implement innovative design solutions to address challenges related to weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency, and manufacturing feasibility. Prepare and present technical reports, design reviews, and documentation to internal stakeholders and clients. Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the remote engineering group.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering; Master's degree strongly preferred. Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on aerospace structures and/or airframe components. Expertise in CAD software relevant to the aerospace industry (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks). In-depth knowledge and practical application of FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN/PATRAN, ANSYS) for structural analysis. Thorough understanding of aerospace materials (e.g., aluminum alloys, composites, titanium) and their behavior under load. Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, composite layup, additive manufacturing). Proven ability to manage complex design tasks independently in a remote work environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective remote teamwork and reporting. Ability to work effectively and proactively within a distributed team structure. Must be legally authorized to work remotely and reside within or near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, or other approved remote jurisdictions.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual salary and potential performance bonuses. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a robust retirement savings plan. We offer generous paid time off and encourage continuous learning through dedicated professional development budgets and training programs. This role supports a healthy work-life balance through its fully remote nature, providing the flexibility to work from your preferred location within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA or other remote areas.