Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace Structures

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High base salary

Performance bonuses

Fully remote work

Flexible hours

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role in aerospace. You will lead the design and analysis of structural components, leveraging CATIA/V5/V6 and advanced FEA tools to meet stringent aerospace standards.

You will collaborate with a global engineering team, mentor junior engineers, and guide prototyping and testing, while ensuring compliance with AS9100 and MIL-STD.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with structures.
• 8+ years in aerospace design and analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA V5/V6) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aeroelasticity, buckling, and dynamic analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical structures for aerospace applications.
• Perform structural analysis including FEA to assess performance.
• Conduct vibration, thermal, and fatigue analysis.
• Collaborate with a global remote team of engineers.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications and material reports.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases and validate designs.
• Troubleshoot design challenges and propose efficient solutions.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and MIL-STD standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical development.
• Stay current with advancements in materials, design methods and simulation.

Skills

Structural analysis

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

ANSYS Mechanical

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in aerospace innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their fully remote, world-class engineering team. This position is integral to the design and analysis of critical aerospace structural components and systems. You will leverage your expertise to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry. The role requires a deep understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, and advanced CAD/CAE tools, coupled with exceptional remote collaboration skills. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering aerospace projects from anywhere, with the role supporting our strategic engineering initiatives related to Upington, Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical structures and components for aerospace applications using advanced CAD software.


• Perform comprehensive structural analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to assess performance under extreme conditions.


• Conduct vibration, thermal, and fatigue analysis to ensure structural integrity and longevity.


• Collaborate effectively with a global, remote team of engineers (structural, systems, materials) to achieve project objectives.


• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and material selection reports compliant with aerospace standards.


• Oversee and guide the prototyping and testing phases, including validation of designs against stringent requirements.


• Troubleshoot complex design challenges and propose innovative, efficient solutions.


• Ensure strict adherence to aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, MIL-STD) and regulatory requirements.


• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the team.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in aerospace materials, design methodologies, and simulation techniques.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in structures.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in the design and analysis of aerospace structures.


• Expert proficiency in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX) and sophisticated FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus).


• Deep understanding of aerospace materials (composites, alloys), failure modes, and manufacturing processes.


• Proven experience with aeroelasticity, buckling, and dynamic analysis.


• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote team operation.


• Demonstrated ability to lead technical design efforts and mentor junior engineers.


• Experience working in a remote or distributed engineering environment is highly preferred.


• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a high base salary, substantial performance bonuses, and excellent benefits. We provide a fully remote work environment with flexible hours, supported by cutting-edge digital collaboration tools. Opportunities for professional development include advanced training, industry certifications, and attendance at international aerospace conferences. You will be part of a visionary company shaping the future of aviation, working on technically challenging and rewarding projects with global impact, while supporting our engineering focus areas concerning Upington, Northern Cape.