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Experienced Product Development & Research Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems
Wichita, KS Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/6/2026
Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit (“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.

Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Conceives new product configurations, designs, manufacturing processesand advanced technologies for new aerostructures
  • Defines and performs research programs to mature concepts, technologies and processes
  • Understands full life cycle requirements for product development
  • Defines future factory vision, concepts and options
  • Defines engineering requirements and compliance approaches up front
  • Defines test and certification plans
  • Assesses or evaluates product performance and manufacturing cost and viability
  • Performs trade studies for design alternatives
  • Capable of defining necessary resources and development plans
  • Works in concert with key functions to align and advance research plans
  • Progresses concept through initial configuration, proto typing,risk reduction and mature technology readiness
  • Documents and communicates plans and evaluations for future work packages, i.e. bid and proposal
  • High energy, self-starter, with applicable knowledge of composite development techniques and manufacturing processes.
  • Develops concepts through the initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction, verification, and validation and is able to progress a project thru to completion. .
  • Authors test reports and certification plans.
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of carbon fiber reinforced thermoset matrix composite materials manufacturing processes, including hand layup, compression molding, and vacuum bagging.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in Engineering or related field
  • 5 years of related work experience
  • Must be a self starter and able to perform duties with minimum supervision
  • Experience building interpersonal professional relationships
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

  • 3D computer aided modeling
  • Experience with robotics, automation, design, and various programming languages (C , Python)
  • Familiarity with Linux operating system I.E. Ubuntu
  • Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio
  • Experience with aerostructure manufacturing
  • Experience in cross-functional project management
  • Experience with Continuous Improvement/ Lean/ Industry 4.0/ World Class Manufacturing/ Future Factory/ Production System
  • Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain
  • Knowledge of operational processes, flow and procedures
  • Knowledge of financial processes and procedures
  • Knowledge of Robotic Operating System (ROS and ROS2)
  • Research experience

Union

This is a union-represented position.

Drug Free Workplace

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $93,850- $143,850

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Salary : $93,850 - $143,850

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