Senior Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Components

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Performance-based incentives

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Conferences support

Further education support

Generous annual leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of aerospace components using CATIA V5, NX, and ANSYS. You will perform FEA, ensure compliance with AS9100/FAA standards, and mentor engineers in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The role calls for 8+ years in aerospace, strong material science knowledge, and leadership skills to drive complex projects and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and analysis in aerospace.
• Strong CAD/FEA proficiency and regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications using CAD/CAE tools.
• Perform detailed structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA.
• Ensure designs comply with aerospace standards (AS9100, FAA).
• Collaborate with systems engineering, manufacturing and QA.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of components and systems.
• Develop and maintain design documentation including drawings and test reports.
• Troubleshoot design issues during production and flight operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Stay updated on new aerospace technologies and methods.

Skills

FEA

Thermal analysis

Vibration analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

NX

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their dedicated team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is critical for the design, development, and testing of complex mechanical systems used in aircraft and related aerospace applications. You will leverage your expertise in stress analysis, material science, and aerodynamics to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the aerospace industry, a deep understanding of relevant regulatory requirements, and a passion for cutting-edge engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects within a highly respected organization. The position operates on a Hybrid model, offering a blend of collaborative on-site work in the technologically advanced hub of Stellenbosch and the flexibility of remote work, enhancing work-life integration and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components and systems for aerospace applications using advanced CAD/CAE tools.
• Perform detailed structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Ensure designs comply with stringent aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA regulations).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of components and systems to verify performance and reliability.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues during production and flight operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the mechanical engineering department.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies in aerospace mechanical engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and analysis, with a significant portion in the aerospace sector.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, NX) and advanced FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Strong knowledge of material science, fatigue analysis, fracture mechanics, and vibration dynamics.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and mentor technical staff.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with flight testing and qualification processes is a plus.
• Eligibility for security clearance may be required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including excellent health benefits, retirement contributions, and performance-based incentives. The Hybrid work arrangement in Stellenbosch, Western Cape provides a flexible and modern work environment. Employees have access to extensive professional development resources, including advanced training programs, opportunities to attend industry conferences, and support for further education. You will be part of a highly innovative company working on the leading edge of aerospace technology. Additional benefits include generous annual leave, wellness programs, and opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized organization. We foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the scenic environment of Stellenbosch .