Senior Structural Analysis Engineer - Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is actively seeking a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer specializing in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for our East London engineering hub. This on-site role focuses on leading advanced structural analysis to ensure integrity and performance of critical components across automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors.

You will develop FE models, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to translate results into robust designs while staying

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering with a specialization in structural analysis.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in structural analysis using FEA.
• Expert proficiency in one or more major FEA software packages (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, material science, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with pre-processing and post-processing tools, including meshing software.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, APDL) for automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform linear and nonlinear static and dynamic structural analysis using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Develop and validate FE models, including geometry cleanup, meshing strategies, and material property definition.
• Analyze stress, strain, deformation, vibration, fatigue, and thermal effects on mechanical components and assemblies.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear, actionable recommendations to design engineers.
• Collaborate closely with design teams throughout the product development lifecycle to optimize structural performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis of structural failures and recommend design improvements.
• Develop and maintain analysis procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior FEA engineers, fostering technical growth within the team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in structural analysis techniques and FEA software.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present findings to internal teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Civil Engineering with structural analysis specialization

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in designing complex mechanical systems, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Structural Analysis Engineer specializing in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for their engineering hub. This is an on-site role at our facility in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA, requiring dedicated work within our collaborative engineering environment. You will be responsible for performing advanced structural analysis to ensure the integrity, safety, and performance of critical components and systems across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of solid mechanics, material behavior, and numerical methods, coupled with extensive practical experience using commercial FEA software. As a Senior Engineer, you will lead complex analysis projects, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with design and manufacturing teams to translate analysis results into robust designs. Your expertise will be paramount in identifying and mitigating potential structural failures before product release.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform linear and nonlinear static and dynamic structural analysis using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Develop and validate FE models, including geometry cleanup, meshing strategies, and material property definition.
• Analyze stress, strain, deformation, vibration, fatigue, and thermal effects on mechanical components and assemblies.
• Interpret analysis results and provide clear, actionable recommendations to design engineers.
• Collaborate closely with design teams throughout the product development lifecycle to optimize structural performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis of structural failures and recommend design improvements.
• Develop and maintain analysis procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior FEA engineers, fostering technical growth within the team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in structural analysis techniques and FEA software.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present findings to internal teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in structural analysis.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in structural analysis using FEA.
• Expert proficiency in one or more major FEA software packages (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, material science, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with pre-processing and post-processing tools, including meshing software.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, APDL) for automation is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an on-site engineering team.
• Experience in dynamic analysis, modal analysis, and impact simulations is highly desirable.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and paid time off. The role is based at our engineering center in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA, providing a collaborative and professional work environment. We offer ample opportunities for professional development, including access to training, workshops, and industry conferences. Our client fosters a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career experience. We are committed to supporting our employees' growth and success.