Senior Stress Analysis Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Senior Stress Analysis Engineer in Pretoria, Gauteng, to lead linear and non-linear stress, fatigue, and thermal analyses on aerospace components. You will develop robust FEA models, interpret results, and collaborate with design, materials, and test teams to improve structural integrity and weight optimization.

The role requires 6+ years of hands-on FEA experience, advanced degrees in mechanical/aerospace engineering, and proficiency with ANSYS,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with solid mechanics specialization.
• 6+ years hands-on experience in structural and stress analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN/PATRAN).
• In-depth knowledge of continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and material behavior under load.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, APDL) for automating analysis tasks is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform linear and non-linear stress, strain, and fatigue analysis on aerospace components using FEA software.
• Develop and validate FEA models based on geometry, materials, and boundary conditions.
• Interpret simulation results and produce clear reports for design and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize component designs for structural integrity, weight reduction, and manufacturability.
• Support component testing activities, including correlation of test data with simulation results.
• Stay current with advancements in FEA methodologies, software, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain analysis procedures and standards.
• Identify potential failure modes and recommend design changes to prevent them.
• Assist in root cause analysis of failures or performance issues.
• Mentor junior stress analysis engineers and share expertise.

Skills

Python scripting

APDL

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

Abaqus

NASTRAN/PATRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the aerospace components manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly analytical Senior Stress Analysis Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role involves performing complex structural and stress analyses on critical aerospace components, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance requirements. You will utilize cutting‑edge Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and methodologies to predict component behavior under various load conditions, including static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue. The successful candidate will work closely with design engineers, materials specialists, and test engineers to validate analysis results and contribute to design optimization. This is a critical role requiring a deep understanding of solid mechanics, material science, and advanced computational modeling techniques. The position offers a challenging and rewarding work environment with opportunities for professional growth and contributions to pioneering aerospace technology. This is a Hybrid role, requiring a balance of remote and on‑site work in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform linear and non‑linear stress, strain, and fatigue analysis on aerospace components using FEA software.
• Develop and validate FEA models based on component geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions.
• Interpret simulation results and provide clear, concise reports and recommendations to design and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize component designs for structural integrity, weight reduction, and manufacturability.
• Support component testing activities, including correlation of test data with simulation results.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in FEA methodologies, software, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of analysis procedures and standards.
• Identify potential failure modes and recommend design changes to prevent them.
• Assist in root cause analysis of component failures or performance issues.
• Mentor junior stress analysis engineers and share technical expertise.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in solid mechanics or structural analysis.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in structural and stress analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN/PATRAN).
• In‑depth knowledge of continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and material behavior under load.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, APDL) for automating analysis tasks is highly desirable.
• Experience with aerospace materials (e.g., aluminum alloys, titanium, composites) and their failure mechanisms.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent technical communication and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with aerospace design standards (e.g., DO‑160, MIL‑STD).
• Must be able to work in a Hybrid capacity in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge aerospace technologies and challenging projects.
• Supportive and collaborative work culture.
• Potential for international assignments.