Senior Mechanical Systems Analyst

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance bonus

Professional development

Generous PTO

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Senior Mechanical Systems Analyst to join our global materials and technology solutions client’s R&D division in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will develop and validate advanced simulation models (FEA, CFD) to predict performance, identify failure modes, and drive design improvements.

The role demands a strong mechanical engineering foundation, extensive software experience, and the ability to communicate complex results to cross-functional teams across a

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering with emphasis on analysis.
• 8+ years of experience in advanced mechanical analysis using FEA/CFD software.
• Expertise in stress, vibration, fatigue life prediction, and thermal analysis.
• Strong understanding of continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for automating analysis workflows is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate FEA models for stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis.
• Conduct CFD simulations for fluid flow, heat transfer, and aerodynamic performance.
• Perform thermal analyses to assess heat dissipation and temperature distribution.
• Interpret results, identify design parameters, and recommend optimization to engineering teams.
• Correlate simulation results with experimental data to validate models.
• Mentor junior analysts and engineers, contribute to SOPs and best practices.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.

Skills

FEA

CFD

Thermal analysis

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

COMSOL

Fluent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced materials and technology solutions, is seeking a highly analytical Senior Mechanical Systems Analyst to join their Research & Development division in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This role is instrumental in evaluating the performance, durability, and reliability of complex mechanical systems through advanced simulation and analytical techniques. You will be responsible for developing and executing simulation models (FEA, CFD, thermal analysis) to predict system behavior under various operating conditions, identifying potential failure modes, and recommending design improvements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background in mechanical engineering, extensive experience with simulation software, and a proven track record of applying analytical methods to solve challenging engineering problems. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of technological innovation and contribute significantly to product development. We are seeking individuals with excellent analytical skills, a rigorous scientific approach, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly. The **Polokwane** location provides a base for contributing to global projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate advanced finite element analysis (FEA) models for stress, strain, fatigue, and vibration analysis of mechanical components and systems.
• Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and aerodynamic performance.
• Perform thermal analysis to assess heat dissipation and temperature distribution within complex systems.
• Interpret simulation results, identify critical design parameters, and provide actionable recommendations for design optimization to engineering teams.
• Correlate simulation results with experimental test data to validate models and improve prediction accuracy.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in simulation technologies, analytical methodologies, and relevant engineering fields.
• Mentor junior analysts and engineers in the application of simulation tools and techniques.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standard operating procedures for simulation workflows.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to project teams and management.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on analysis and simulation.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in performing advanced mechanical analysis using FEA and CFD software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, Fluent).
• Proven expertise in stress analysis, vibration analysis, fatigue life prediction, and thermal analysis.
• Strong understanding of continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automating analysis workflows is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-oriented environment.
• Experience in the **Polokwane, Limpopo** region is not essential, but willingness to engage with local teams is.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-driven bonus opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Support for continuous professional development and advanced training.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful R&D projects.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.