Mechanical Engineer (Fiber and Composite Structures)

Knysna Western Cape

Minimum requirements and experience:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, specialising in Material Science
• Postgraduate qualification (Honours/Masters) is an advantage.
• 37 years relevant experience in an industrial, mining, manufacturing, energy, or construction environment (depending on seniority).
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems (e.g., rotating equipment, piping, HVAC, hydraulics, or structures, as applicable).
• Strong understanding of composite mechanics and anisotropic materials.
• Proficiency in CAD and analysis software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Knowledge of composite failure theories and testing methods.
• Familiarity with composite repair techniques and quality control methods.
• Understanding of relevant standards (ASTM, ISO, aerospace, or industry-specific codes).

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute a test program to characterize mechanical properties and lifetime expectancies of fiber structures and assemblies
• Design and develop fibre-reinforced composite structures (e.g. CFRP, GFRP, hybrid composites).
• Perform structural analysis, including strength, stiffness, fatigue, and failure modes.
• Select appropriate materials, fibre architectures, resins, and lay-up strategies.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, laminate schedules, and specifications.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Build and iterate on test fixtures
• Instrument-based testing and failure mode characterization
• Generation of lifetime models through test data interpretation
• Analysis of key variables affecting mechanical properties and lifetime expectancies
• Contribute to design iteration by following a test drive approach and rigorous documentation
• Conduct analytical and numerical analyses (FEA) of composite structures.
• Evaluate load paths, buckling, impact resistance, and damage tolerance.
• Support weight optimisation and performance trade-off studies.
• Interpret test data and correlate with analytical and simulation results.
• Support composite manufacturing processes.