Senior Mechanical Stress Engineer

Our client, a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced industrial machinery, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Stress Engineer to join their dedicated engineering department in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This critical role involves performing in-depth structural and stress analysis on complex mechanical components and systems to ensure their integrity, reliability, and safety under various operating conditions.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of mechanics of materials and extensive practical experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. You will collaborate closely with design engineers to optimize designs and resolve structural challenges. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to high-stakes projects within a reputable organization located in Port Elizabeth .

• Conduct comprehensive stress, strain, and fatigue analysis on mechanical components and assemblies using advanced FEA techniques.
• Develop and validate finite element models for static, dynamic, thermal, and modal analyses.
• Interpret simulation results and provide clear, actionable recommendations to design engineering teams.
• Collaborate with mechanical designers to optimize designs for strength, stiffness, and weight.
• Define material properties and boundary conditions accurately for simulations.
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations for mechanical failures.
• Develop and maintain best practices and standards for stress analysis within the engineering department.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in FEA software, simulation techniques, and materials science.
• Generate detailed technical reports documenting analysis methodologies, results, and conclusions.
• Contribute to design reviews, providing critical insights on structural performance.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Solid Mechanics or Structural Analysis.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in mechanical stress analysis and FEA.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software packages such as ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar.
• Strong understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, material science, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, CATIA) for model preparation.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations and interpret results effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Experience in the industrial machinery or heavy equipment sector is a strong advantage.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and reside in or be willing to relocate to Port Elizabeth .

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful engineering projects.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Professional development and training in advanced simulation techniques.
• Be part of a reputable engineering firm in Port Elizabeth .