Mechanical Design Engineer

SUMMARY:
Milkor Integrated Systems (Pty) Ltd, Is an Aerospace company with an international footprint providing turnkey solutions on the land, sea, air and cyber domains. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who are committed to excellence, innovation and safety. As technology continues to advance, UAV operations are playing an increasingly crucial role in various industries, from surveillance and reconnaissance to data collection and beyond.

POSITION INFO:
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for creating and refining mechanical systems and components for aerospace systems to meet specific design requirements and airworthiness and/or safety standards. This role involves designing, analysing, and testing mechanical products and systems using 2D and 3D CAD software and engineering principles. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, meet quality and safety standards. Additionally, the role includes producing detailed documentation, troubleshooting design issues, and staying updated with industry advancements to continuously improve design processes.

Key responsibilities:

1. Design and Development:

• Create detailed mechanical designs for aerospace and defence systems, primarily aircraft systems and components.
• Develop prototypes and iterate on designs based on testing results and performance criteria.
• Ensure designs meet stringent requirements for durability, reliability, and safety in extreme conditions.
• Ensure designs are cost effective to produce.

• Conduct rigorous simulations and analyses to assess structural integrity, thermal performance, system performance, and dynamic behaviour of designs as relevant.
• Specify, oversee, and analyse physical testing, including environmental and stress tests and flight tests, to validate and refine designs.
• Apply knowledge of aerospace materials and technologies to ensure optimal performance and safety.

• Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, military specifications, and regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant aerospace and defence standards.

• Prepare comprehensive design documentation, including detailed drawings, specifications, test requirements and reports.
• Document design changes, test results, and compliance with standards.
• Generate validation reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Work closely with other engineers, project managers, and interdisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical designs with electrical, software, and systems engineering components.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure design feasibility and support production processes.

• Identify and resolve complex engineering challenges related to mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Implement design improvements based on feedback from testing, field performance, and lessons learned.

• Research and integrate new materials, technologies, and design techniques to enhance performance and reduce costs.
• Stay informed about advancements in aerospace and defence technology and incorporate best practices into design processes.8. Project Management Support:
• Assist in developing project plans, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Support project management by providing design updates, risk assessments, and technical guidance.

• Qualification: Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Years of experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in machine design and manufacturing, preferably Aerospace design.
  • 2+ years of experience with 2D and 3D CAD software systems.
• Proficiency in certain applications and/or software: SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (Project Data Management) and/or Siemens NX, Simcenter 3D Simulation.
• Own transport.

• Aerospace system mechanical design experience is essential, with one or more of the following being an advantage:
  • Structure and airframe design
  • Stress Analysis
  • Composites structures design
  • Powerplant systems and integration
  • Landing gear systems and integration
  • Fuel Systems
  • Aerodynamics
  • Structure Dynamics
  • Qualification