Senior Structural Stress Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior Structural Stress Analyst for a fully remote role. The incumbent will perform advanced FEA on aerospace components, validate models, and work with design teams to optimize structures for weight and safety.

Extensive experience in aerospace stress analysis and FEA software is essential. The role requires deep knowledge of materials, compliance with aviation standards, and the ability to communicate complex results to technical and non-technical

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis on structural mechanics and FEA.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in structural stress analysis in aerospace.
• Experience with FEA software: ANSYS, NASTRAN, PATRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Knowledge of composite and metallic materials and their failure mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced linear and non-linear static and dynamic stress analysis using FEA software.
• Analyze composite and metallic structures under static, fatigue, vibration, and thermal loads.
• Develop and validate FE models for complex aerospace components and assemblies.
• Interpret results, generate detailed reports, and provide recommendations to design teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight and performance while maintaining integrity.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and regulations (FAA, EASA, SACAA).

Skills

FEA software

Aerospace stress

Python/APDL scripting

Composite materials

Fracture mechanics

Remote work

Technical writing

Education

Masters/PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

PATRAN

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in aerospace manufacturing and engineering, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Structural Stress Analyst to join their innovative team on a fully remote basis. This pivotal role involves performing advanced structural analysis and simulation on complex aircraft components and structures. You will be instrumental in ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of cutting‑edge aerospace designs. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of finite element analysis (FEA), material science, and aerospace structural design principles. This remote position allows us to tap into top‑tier talent across South Africa, fostering a diverse and expert engineering community. You will work closely with design engineers, materials specialists, and manufacturing teams to overcome challenging structural problems and contribute to the development of next‑generation aircraft. This role is critical for maintaining our client's commitment to excellence and safety in aviation, supporting their operations originating from Rustenburg . Your analytical expertise will directly impact the reliability and efficiency of the aircraft we help build, ensuring they meet the most demanding performance criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced linear and non-linear static and dynamic stress analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS).
• Analyze composite and metallic structures under various load conditions, including static, fatigue, vibration, and thermal loads.
• Develop and validate FE models for complex aerospace components and assemblies.
• Interpret analysis results, generate detailed reports, and provide clear recommendations to design engineering teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight reduction and improved performance while ensuring structural integrity.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards and regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA, SACAA requirements for stress analysis).
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert technical input on structural design decisions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in stress analysis techniques, software tools, and materials technology.
• Mentor junior stress analysts and contribute to the development of best practices and procedures.
• Support failure analysis investigations and provide analytical expertise for root cause determination.
• Effectively communicate complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a remote setting.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of structural testing programs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a strong emphasis on structural mechanics and FEA.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in structural stress analysis, specifically within the aerospace industry.
• Extensive experience with FEA software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, PATRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Deep understanding of composite materials, metallic materials, and their failure mechanisms.
• Proficiency in stress analysis principles, including static, dynamic, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with aerospace design and certification requirements related to structures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, APDL) for automation is a plus.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa and able to provide proof.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with extensive experience.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Contribution to a leading-edge aerospace technology company.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and learning.
• Work on challenging and impactful aerospace projects.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Support for home office setup.
• Access to online learning platforms and industry conferences.