Scientist (Mid-level or Senior)

Boeing; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 87,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Boeing in Wichita, KS is seeking an experienced lab scientist to advance manufacturing analytics and test methods. You will develop innovative solutions to reduce waste, maintain IC/ICP-MS instruments, and train technicians while ensuring compliance with quality standards.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering (ABET-accredited) and at least 5 years in aerospace testing. Strong data interpretation and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years in aerospace manufacturing or testing environments.
• Experience with IC and ICP-MS instrumentation and data analysis.
• Ability to develop test plans, coordinate testing, and write qualification reports.
• Strong written and oral communication; able to present data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop innovative solutions to manufacturing issues to reduce waste and improve first-time quality.
• Maintain and upgrade analytical instruments; schedule preventive maintenance to maximize uptime.
• Develop and update test methods; train technicians and ensure lab compliance with standards.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records of procedures and results.
• Serve as a technical resource for M&PE staff and production operations.
• Lead audit preparations.
• Work under general supervision and independently for routine work.

Skills

Analytical instrumentation knowledge

Data interpretation

Technical communication

Lab troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

Ion Chromatography (IC)

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Job description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Position Responsibilities

• Create and develop innovative solutions to manufacturing issues and/or processes that reduce waste, reduce rework, and improve efficiency and first-time quality.
• Maintain and increase knowledge of analytical instruments and methods by researching new testing concepts and processes and determine instrument applicability to further improve Spirit production manufacturing processes. Also maintain lab instruments and establish schedules for preventative maintenance to ensure high instrument uptime.
• Develop, update and maintain test methods. Train technicians and ensure their compliance to the methods. Ensure lab is compliant to all applicable company, industry, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records for laboratory procedures, observations, methods and final results.
• Serve as a technical and problem-solving resource for M&PE staff and to production operations.
• Lead audit preparations.
• This is an intermediate or experienced position. Work under general supervision and/or independently with no instructions for routine work and under general supervision for special assignments.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar. Engineering degrees must be from an ABET accredited program
• 5+ years of experience in relevant aerospace industry
• Conversant with various analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, Ion Chromatography (IC) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP)
• Develop test plans & testing methodology to support program needs, RCCAs, coordinate testing, author test reports for qualification activities, as well as material and process specifications for Spirit AeroSystems
• Ability to independently interpret laboratory data, and present findings to M&PE staff and leadership team in clear, concise fashion
• Ability to interpret & define requirements to meet customer specifications and manufacturability to ensure solutions meet all applicable requirements
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to work independently or on a team
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience leading a team in a lab setting
• Experience with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Dynamic Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS)
• Experience with AS9100 and/or NADCAP

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 – Mid-level (Level 4): $87,250 - $133,750

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $114,050 - $174,850

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.

Export Control Requirements

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R.

• 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.