Spirit Defense - Manufacturing Engineer (Associate or Mid-level)
Spirit AeroSystems
Wichita, KS · Posted September 21, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at Spirit AeroSystems
More in Kansas job market · Aerospace & Defense · Engineering jobs
More roles at Spirit AeroSystems
- Spirit Defense - Associate Numerical Control Programmer · Wichita, KS
- Engineering Senior Manager · Wichita, KS
- Quality Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level, or Senior) · Wichita, KS
- Production Manager – Automated Assembly & Manufacturing · Wichita, KS
- Integrated Product Team Leader · Wichita, KS
- Spirit Defense - Methods Process Analyst (Associate or Mid-level) · Wichita, KS
Similar jobs
- Sr. Manufacturing Engineer · AMI Semiconductor · Hudson, NH
- Manager, Manufacturing Engineer · L3HARRIS Technologies · Tempe, AZ
- Specialist, Manufacturing Quality Engineer · L3HARRIS Technologies · Canoga Park, CA
Where Wichita, KS ranks
Where Wichita, KS placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #15Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest19% · of 54
- #18Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest33 jobs · of 51
- #23Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Midwest67 openings · of 59
- #25Best college towns for junior jobs in the Midwest34% · of 51
- #25Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Midwest53% · of 69
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among industrial engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for industrial engineers: 4% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
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:
Coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, and supply teams to develop and guide the program manufacturing and tooling plan.
Ensures the identification and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and improves manufacturing processes in support of the type design.
Uses process engineering principles and techniques. Develops, establishes, and guides requirements for assembly, tooling simulations, and manufacturing configurations.
Performs trade and cost studies and assists in leading integrated product and process teams.
Ability to apply knowledge in one or more of the following areas; Composite non-metallic, Electrical/Electronics, Machining, Sheet metal, Systems and Structures.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
Bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program
2+ years of relevant experience
Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
5+ years of relevant engineering experience within a Manufacturing Engineering environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – interface with customers and suppliers
Knowledge of engineering systems and the ability to deploy the Continuous Improvement Toolset – Seven Wastes etc.
Detailed knowledge of design methods both on 2d and 3d design platforms with excellent drawing/design interpretation skills
Practical engineering knowledge
Strong understanding of metallic & composite manufacturing techniques & treatment processes
Self-driven with a ‘can-do’ attitude
Fluent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
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 - Associate (Level 2): $71,650 - $109,800
Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $85,600 - $131,200
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. A final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Position Responsibilities:
Coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, and supply teams to develop and guide the program manufacturing and tooling plan.
Ensures the identification and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and improves manufacturing processes in support of the type design.
Uses process engineering principles and techniques. Develops, establishes, and guides requirements for assembly, tooling simulations, and manufacturing configurations.
Performs trade and cost studies and assists in leading integrated product and process teams.
Ability to apply knowledge in one or more of the following areas; Composite non-metallic, Electrical/Electronics, Machining, Sheet metal, Systems and Structures.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
Bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program
2+ years of relevant experience
Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
5+ years of relevant engineering experience within a Manufacturing Engineering environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – interface with customers and suppliers
Knowledge of engineering systems and the ability to deploy the Continuous Improvement Toolset – Seven Wastes etc.
Detailed knowledge of design methods both on 2d and 3d design platforms with excellent drawing/design interpretation skills
Practical engineering knowledge
Strong understanding of metallic & composite manufacturing techniques & treatment processes
Self-driven with a ‘can-do’ attitude
Fluent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
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 - Associate (Level 2): $71,650 - $109,800
Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $85,600 - $131,200
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. A final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.