Senior Engineer
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The following Senior Engineer opportunity has become available in the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) within the School of Engineering.
Senior Engineer - Thrust Chamber Design and Analysis
- Design, develop, analyse, build and test regeneratively cooled liquid rocket motor thrust chambers.
- Conduct structural, thermal, and stress analyses on thrust chambers using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
The incumbent will execute engineering design work and performance analyses, manufacture and test components and systems. S/he will contribute to the development of testing procedures and test infrastructure and conduct contract research tasks. S/he will adhere to occupational health and safety regulations and contribute to academic research papers for publication in journals and at conferences. S/he will communicate with suppliers for quotations, manufacture and testing. S/he will follow UKZN procurement procedure and manage associated processes, coordinate logistics of manufactured parts and systems, contribute to planning roadmaps for technology development. S/he will assist in budgeting exercises, participate in the drafting of research and funding proposals and project reports. S/he will attend group/unit/centre/institute team meetings, attend meetings and conferences with suppliers, researchers and stakeholders. Furthermore, s/he will contribute to drafting of project life cycle documentation, complete design and test reports and participate in outreach and public relations activities.
The incumbent will report to the Director of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute.
Minimum requirements
- BSc Eng or BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering at NQF Level 8 from an Institute accredited with ECSA AND
- MSc Eng or MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering at NQF Level 9 from an Institute accredited with ECSA
- 3 years of relevant experience in research and development of leading-edge engineering technologies related to aerospace systems and components, with demonstrated experience in the areas described above
Enquiries and details regarding the post may be directed to Prof Glen Snedden at email: sneddeng@ukzn.ac.za. Tel. 031 260 1215.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 3 November 2026.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to this advertisement.
Apply at the following link: https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
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