Spirit Defense - Summer 2027 Internship Program (Paid) - Operations Engineering - Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering

Spirit AeroSystems; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Defense, a Boeing subsidiary, is seeking motivated students for its 2027 summer internship program in Wichita, KS. Interns gain hands-on experience in operations engineering—manufacturing and industrial engineering—supporting defense and space products.

You will work with a mentor, analyze production flow, develop build plans, and participate in tooling and process improvement, all onsite. Preferred candidates are ABET engineering students with a GPA aligning to program standards and the

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a four-year undergraduate or graduate ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Ability to work full-time during Summer 2027.
• Relocation offered based on candidate eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Support Operations Engineering – Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering.
• Develop and improve manufacturing build plans, methods and work instructions.
• Analyze production flow, capacity, staffing, schedules and process performance.
• Assist with tooling, equipment, process capability and production-readiness activities.
• Use data and structured problem-solving to reduce waste and defects.

Skills

ABET engineering student

Full-time Summer availability

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

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.

Launch your career with Spirit Defense! We are seeking motivated, enthusiastic, and innovative students to join our 2027 intern program.

At Spirit Defense, our teams apply innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing, and rapid prototyping to solve complex challenges across the defense and space industries. Our engineers and business professionals work on products and technologies that support critical missions and help shape the future of aerospace.

As a Spirit Defense intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced professionals on real-world aerospace challenges. During your summer internship, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with a mentor in your field of study while contributing to real-world projects
• Gain firsthand exposure to aerospace products, manufacturing operations, engineering processes, and business systems
• Collaborate with engineering and business leaders supporting defense and space programs
• Build a professional network through technical, professional development, and social activities
• Develop the skills and experience to launch your career in the aerospace and defense industry

Visit our program website to learn more about the opportunities available: https://jobs.boeing.com/internships

Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

Operations Engineering - Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering. Spirit Defense Operations Engineering interns support the systems, processes, tooling, and production methods used to manufacture defense and space products. Assignments may span manufacturing engineering, manufacturing analysis, and industrial engineering. Interns will work with production, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to improve safety, quality, cost, flow, producibility, and execution readiness.

Potential internship assignments may include:

• Develop and improve manufacturing build plans, methods, and work instructions
• Analyze production flow, capacity, staffing, schedules, and process performance
• Support tooling, equipment, process capability, and production-readiness activities
• Use data and structured problem-solving to reduce waste, defects, and non-value-added work

These positions are expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Wichita, KS.

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship.

Employer will not sponsor applications for employment visa status.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Currently enrolled in a four-year undergraduate or graduate ABET-accredited engineering program
• Ability to work full-time during Summer 2027

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Passion for the aerospace and defense industry with an interest in building a career with Spirit Defense
• Academic excellence (GPA of 3.0 or higher)
• Previous related internship or work experience and/or involvement with student or civic organizations
• Majoring in one of the following: Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Technology, or other related fields
• The ability to relocate and work onsite

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Union:

This is a union-represented position

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is 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.

Shift:

These positions are for first shift.

Pay & Benefits

At Boeing, 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.

The Boeing Company also provides 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.

Please note that the information shown below is a general guideline only. Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: Min: $20.55/hr - Max: $34.42/hr