Senior Certifying Engineer

Position: Senior Certifying Engineer as per SACAA CAR 147 Closing Date: 29 October 2026 AeroStruct Consulting (PTY) Ltd is an Approved Design Organisation (ADO) under SACAA CAR Part 147 based in Centurion, South Africa. As a proud member of the Incomar Group of Companies, AeroStruct is dedicated to advancing specialised product development and enhancing flight operations capabilities.

AeroStruct plays a pivotal role in supporting the broader activities of the Incomar Group while also contributing to the growth and sustainability of general aviation in South Africa. The Incomar group was established in South Africa in 1999, with its origins in military aircraft weapons and avionics integration and flight testing.

The company is well established in the local and international industry, with a strong capability in several specialist areas, including: Systems Design, Development, and Integration. System Testing on a range of platforms/products. Product Development. Flight Test Execution and Support. AeroStruct Consulting, a subsidiary within the Incomar Group of companies, is seeking a motivated individual to take up the role of a Senior Certifying Engineer in support of the activities of the ADO.

A successful candidate will be involved in SACAA Part 21 design, analysis, integration & testing, and certification of systems related to aerodynamics, aerostructures, propulsion, avionics, and flight performance applicable to the allocated project. The regulatory scope may broaden to include the military (DSI) and approved international regulators.

Required Qualifications: A tertiary qualification applicable to Aeronautical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with aeronautical subjects and or experience. Required Skills, Experience, and Knowledge: Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in an engineering discipline that is relevant to the applicant's Scope of Authorisation, including at least 12 months in a civil aviation environment.

Experience in and a good working knowledge of the certification processes as laid out in the applicable SACAA CATS and CARS under Part 21. Knowledge and understanding of the ADO requirements under SACAA CATS and CARS under Part 147. Comprehensive knowledge of the technical subject matter applicable to your scope of authorisation. A good working knowledge of the AeroStruct Manual of Procedures (MOP) and design assurance system manual in general. A comprehensive knowledge of the AeroStruct MOP sections that are directly applicable to the approval of technical data. Proof of training related to SA CATS & CARS and Human Factors. Configuration and product lifecycle management skills. Aeronautical design, development & qualification skills. Knowledge and experience in aeronautical simulation, modelling, and calculations. Knowledge and experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, flight dynamics, and or aeroelasticity. Experience in technical report writing. Experience in conducting and contributing to design reviews. Experience in complying with system specifications. Experience in fault-finding activities of aeronautical systems and solution proposals. Proficient in MS Office.

Preferred Skills

Experience in technical team and project management is preferable. Experience with CFD analysis (ANSYS Fluent, MSC Cradle or Star-CCM). Experience with FEA analysis (MSC Apex or MSC Nastran & Patran). Experience with modelling software tools (MATLAB and Simulink, Julia or Octave). Proficient in MCAD modelling, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (Solidworks preferred).

Knowledge of applicable standards (e.g. MIL-STDs, RTCA, and FAR/EASA standards). Aircraft concept design, aerodynamic analysis, and performance optimisation. Experience in composite structures and structural test methods. Job Description: As per the guidance of SACAA Part 21, or other approved regulatory guidance, including military, perform aircraft, Design & analysis.

Structural analysis. Flight performance. Prototyping & testing. Systems integration (Avionics and Electrical). Certification & flight test support. Manufacturing support. Ensure design compliance against the applicable regulatory requirements and standards. Design and validating aerial platforms and systems that meet mission & flight reliability, safety, regulatory, operational, and environmental requirements.

Project budget, planning, and management. Attend regulatory audits. Occasional local and international travel may be required. Key Qualities: Integrity. Safety conscious. Agility & adaptability to changing environments. Innovative. Self-motivated and output driven. Problem-solving & solutions driven attitude. High work capacity and ability to deliver under pressure.

Quality driven. Good communicator. Attention to detail. Team player.

Responsibilities

Compile and check certification documentation within the applicant’s scope of authorization as approved by the ADO Accountable Manager. Ensure that the design work performed by the applicant complies with the relevant requirements of Part 147 and Part 21 of the CAR’s and has no unsafe feature. Ensure that liaison is maintained between the DCA and the organisation with a view to ascertaining correct manners of compliance with the civil aviation regulations and interpretation of such requirements by the DCA.

Ensure that equipment used, where necessary, is calibrated to an acceptable national standard to ensure serviceability, accuracy, and traceability. Ensure that adequate records are kept of all work performed by the applicant in the execution of duty. Performing allocated engineering tasks and design work on behalf of the ADO and/or Incomar, within your expertise and skillset when required.

Performing aeronautical engineering activities, including design, development, testing, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. Writing and maintaining specifications and documentation related to aeronautical engineering development activities. Ensuring that stakeholder requirements are met. Ensuring compliance to applicable regulatory and safety requirements.

Assisting with cost and time estimates for engineering tasks/projects. Planning and executing tasks within agreed-upon budgets and timescales. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity when handling company and customer data and documentation. Work in accordance with engineering, regulatory, and other company processes applicable to your role.

Contribute towards the continuous improvement of engineering and other company processes applicable to your role. Ensure all non-compliances on both safety and quality issues within your area of responsibility are identified and reported timeously. Accept the role of guide & mentor when required. Only applications submitted via BambooHR will be considered.