Stress Engineer

RecruitPro Solutions Pty Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Stress Engineer for their client in Cape Town. The role involves performing structural analysis and evaluating materials for aircraft components. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in FEM tools and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in stress or structural engineering within aerospace or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of load paths and structural behaviour.
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyse load paths for aircraft structures.
• Perform stress analysis using FEM tools.
• Support structural testing activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

FEM / FEA tools

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Stress Engineer to join our client’s Airframe Systems team. In this role, you will play a critical part in analysing and evaluating the structural integrity of aircraft components using both analytical methods and finite element modelling (FEM) tools. The successful candidate will work closely with senior engineers to plan and define structural testing activities, ensuring that designs meet safety, reliability, and compliance standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Structural Analysis: Analyse load paths to ensure structurally efficient and reliable designs of primary and secondary aircraft structures
• Perform stress analysis and component sizing using both hand calculations and FEM tools
• Conduct vibration analysis to identify resonance and mitigate risks of structural failure
• Material Analysis & Selection: Evaluate aerospace materials (metals and composites) against design requirements
• Assess the effect of loading conditions on material performance
• Research emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions for improved material application
• Test & Validation: Support senior engineers in defining structural test requirements (static, vibration, and material property evaluations)
• Validate analytical models against test data, refining models as required
• Design Support: Collaborate with design engineers to optimise structural performance and reduce weight while ensuring safety margins
• Review CAD designs, recommending modifications for manufacturability and stress considerations
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare detailed stress reports and technical presentations for senior engineers and stakeholders
• Document assumptions, calculations, and methodologies clearly and accurately
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure structural designs comply with relevant aerospace standards, military specifications, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable aerospace and defence certification processes
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Identify and resolve complex structural and material challenges
• Implement design improvements informed by testing, field performance, and lessons learned
• Research and integrate new materials, tools, and design approaches to enhance performance and reduce cost

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering (required)
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in stress or structural engineering within aerospace or a related field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and commercial FEM / FEA tools
• Strong knowledge of load paths, structural behaviour, and aerospace materials under varied conditions
• Familiarity with aerospace certification processes
• Soft Skills :
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation