Spirit Defense - Entry-level Research NDI Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 62,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita, KS, seeks a Non-Destructive Inspection Engineer to develop and implement advanced NDI solutions for aerospace structures and components. You will work with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to apply UT, ET, RT, PT, MT and other NDI methods, including automation and robotics, across composite and metallic materials.

The role emphasizes integration of automated inspection systems, data acquisition and analysis, and collaboration to transition NDI

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required.
• Ability to obtain US security clearance.
• Experience developing or integrating automated/robotic NDI systems for aerospace applications.
• Experience with NDI methods such as UT, ET, RT, PT, MT and other advanced inspection technologies.

Responsibilities

• Apply broad technical knowledge of NDI methods to aerospace materials, components, and structures.
• Develop and integrate automated NDI inspection solutions including robotic systems.
• Support qualification, calibration, verification, and validation of inspection systems.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and NDI teams to transition NDI technologies into production.
• Review drawings and determine NDI requirements and inspection approaches.

Skills

US Security Clearance

NDI expertise

Robotics automation

Data analysis

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Catia V5

Robotic programming tools

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

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.

We are seeking a Non-Destructive Inspection Engineer to support commercial and defense research, development, and production applications. In this role, you will work with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to develop and implement advanced NDI solutions for aerospace structures and components. The ideal candidate will possess broad technical knowledge of NDI methods, with specific expertise in NDI application and theory, and experience applying automation and/or robotics to enable inspection processes.

Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

• Apply broad technical knowledge of Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) methods, applications, and underlying theory to aerospace materials, components, and structures.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement NDI techniques and inspection solutions for composite, metallic, and other aerospace materials.
• Apply knowledge of NDI methods including ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), radiographic testing (RT), penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), and other advanced inspection technologies, as applicable.
• Develop and integrate automated and/or robotic NDI inspection solutions, including multi-axis inspection systems, motion control, sensors, tooling, and data-acquisition systems.
• Support the programming, integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated NDI equipment and robotic inspection systems.
• Analyze inspection requirements and determine appropriate NDI methods, equipment, techniques, and automation approaches.
• Develop and document engineering requirements, inspection concepts, processes, test plans, and technical solutions for NDI applications.
• Evaluate inspection data and support the development of methods for data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation.
• Conduct research and trade studies involving emerging NDI technologies, automation, robotics, sensors, inspection methods, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, NDI personnel, suppliers, and other technical organizations to transition NDI technologies from development into production.
• Support equipment qualification, calibration, verification, and validation activities to ensure inspection systems meet engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, material requirements, and manufacturing processes to determine NDI requirements and inspection approaches.
• Support root‑cause investigations and corrective actions involving inspection processes, equipment, materials, and manufacturing conditions.
• Ensure NDI engineering solutions comply with applicable company procedures, customer requirements, industry standards, and governmental regulations.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program in Engineering
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Experience developing or integrating automated or robotic NDI systems for aerospace manufacturing applications.
• Experience with automated ultrasonic scanning systems, phased-array ultrasonics, eddy current, or other advanced NDI technologies.
• Experience with robotic programming, industrial automation, motion control, machine vision, sensors, or automated data‑acquisition systems.
• Experience with Catia V5
• Experience developing NDI techniques, procedures, inspection plans, or engineering requirements.
• Knowledge of NAS 410 and applicable aerospace NDI standards and specifications.
• NDI Level II or Level III certification, or previous certification, in one or more NDI methods.
• Experience inspecting or developing inspection processes for aerospace metallic and/or composite structures.
• Experience transitioning new inspection technologies from research and development into a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience with statistical analysis, inspection data analysis, or software used for NDI data acquisition and evaluation.

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: $62,250 - $95,450

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.