Associate Advanced Research Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. in Wichita, KS seeks an Advanced Product Development Engineer to bridge early design to shop-floor manufacturing, creating first-of-their-kind manufacturing solutions for complex aerostructures.

You will lead development of next-generation manufacturing processes, perform rigorous trade studies, and drive a future factory vision for high-rate production and reliable assemblies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in Engineering.
• 2+ years of related experience with automation and fabrication technology.
• 2+ years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CATIA or other equivalent CAD programs.
• Engineering and technical drawing interpretation knowledge.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of aerospace mechanical/structural component fabrication technologies to support metallic fabrication research and development strategies and plans.
• Industrialize and scale additive metal manufacturing processes for new aerostructure applications, with a focus on high temperature metal alloys.
• Define engineering requirements, qualification plans, and compliance approaches up front for design for metal additive manufacturing and advance welding technologies.
• Support multi-functional teams in the above efforts, coordinate the identification and capture of cost and time savings, and assist in strategic technology planning.
• Develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables, processing methods, and quality engineering specifications and standards to metallic fabrication projects.
• Review engineering drawings and documents for part conformance and assist in resolving part failure analysis for fabrication, assembly and in service problems.
• Implement concepts and designs, analyze prototype systems, equipment, and processes, and verify compliance with customer requirements, company policy, procedures and guidelines, and governmental regulations.
• Assist with trade studies for design and/or process alternatives.

Skills

Automation & fabrication technology

Manufacturing experience

CAD knowledge

Engineering drawing interpretation

MS Office proficiency

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

CATIA

PowerPoint

Excel

Visio

Microsoft Project

Teams

Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units("Spirit Commercial"). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

As an Advanced Product Development Engineer, you will serve as a critical link between advanced aerospace design and shop-floor manufacturing reality. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial product conception and industrial execution for major aerostructures by developing unique, first-of-their-kind manufacturing solutions for complex assembly problems. Operating with complete autonomy as a high-agency self-starter, you will work independently to anticipate systemic production failures and architect advanced assembly methodologies. You will eliminate complex constraints, lead the development of next-generation manufacturing processes, and perform rigorous trade studies, ultimately defining the future factory vision required to seamlessly transition cutting-edge aerospace concepts into flawless, high-rate production.

Position Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of aerospace mechanical/structural component fabrication technologies to support metallic fabrication research and development strategies and plans.
• Industrialize and scale additive metal manufacturing processes for new aerostructure applications, with a focus on high temperature metal alloys.
• Define engineering requirements, qualification plans, and compliance approaches up front for design for metal additive manufacturing and advance welding technologies.
• Support multi-functional teams in the above efforts, coordinate the identification and capture of cost and time savings, and assist in strategic technology planning.
• Develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables, processing methods, and quality engineering specifications and standards to metallic fabrication projects.
• Review engineering drawings and documents for part conformance and assist in resolving part failure analysis for fabrication, assembly and in service problems.
• Implement concepts and designs, analyze prototype systems, equipment, and processes, and verify compliance with customer requirements, company policy, procedures and guidelines, and governmental regulations.
• Assist with trade studies for design and/or process alternatives.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in Engineering.
• 2+ years of related experience with automation and fabrication technology.
• 2+ years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CATIA or other equivalent CAD programs.
• Engineering and technical drawing interpretation knowledge.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, procedures and specifications.
• Experience in cross-functional project management.
• Experience with hard metal machining, high temperature alloys.
• Experience using 3D modeling software slicing software for additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge and experience with metal additive manufacturing technologies including laser powder bed fusion and various direct energy deposition processes.
• Understanding of metallurgical terminology and concepts.
• Experience with Catia V5 highly preferred.
• Experience working with a multi-functional team on technical manufacturing projects.
• Experience working in a research and development environment.
• Ability to take initiative and seek creative metallic fabrication solutions.

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: $75,550 - $115,850

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.