Mechanical Engineer (Fiber and Composite Structures)

Garden Route
Salary: Market Related
Job Type: Permanent
Sectors: Engineering
Reference: Pta004002/EP

Apply before May 23 2026 | 30 Days left

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Vacancy Details

Employer: E&D Recruiters

A Mechanical Engineer with experience in composite structures and fiber is required at a company based in Knysna. The company utilises technologies mounted on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Drones, in combination with exciting technologies, to provide geophysical and geological data services to the Mining and Mineral Exploration industries to expand mining exploration across Namibia and South Africa.

Mechanical Engineer (Fiber and Composite Structures)
Knysna – Western Cape

Minimum requirements and experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, specialising in Material Science
Postgraduate qualification (Honours/Master’s) is an advantage.
3–7 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.

Apply via www.edrecruiters.co.za or submit your CV to cv@edrecruiters.co.za (4002)
Only SA citizens will be considered

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About E&D Recruiters

We are a Professional Recruitment service with a personal touch doing contingency recruitment.

We do not believe in only matching engineering skills and people to positions, but is passionate about our profession and desire to build stronger and lasting relationships with our applicants and clients, thereby developing a deep understanding of the people we are dealing with.

We are rendering Specialised Recruitment Services in the technical field and our company name derived from the abbreviation: E = Engineering and the D= Design. We have proven capabilities to work in the engineering design space and associated fields. We can assist with finding positions and people in the Drafting, Project Management, Process Engineering, Sales engineering, R&D field to mention a few. We are working from junior technician level to Executive and Director level within amongst others in the EPCM, Military, Mining, FMCG, Consulting, Construction OEM and supplier field. We have a strong database of clients in the HVAC and technical maintenance/ Facility Management arena.