Defense Research & Technical Engineer

Position 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Industrializes and scales fabrication, machining, and additive metal manufacturing processes for new aerostructure applications, with a focus on high temperature metal alloys.
• Defines and performs research programs to mature concepts, technologies and processes.
• Defines engineering requirements, qualification plans, and compliance approaches up front in design for metal additive manufacturing, metallic machining and fabrication, and advanced welding technologies.
• Understands full life cycle requirements for product development. Defines future factory vision, concepts and options. Supports advanced metal technology manufacturing projects from concept to transition to operation through the stage gate process.
• Defines engineering requirements and compliance approaches up front. Defines test and certification plans.
• Assesses or evaluates product performance and manufacturing cost and viability. Performs trade studies for design alternatives.
• Capable of defining necessary resources and development plans. Works in concert with key functions to align and advance research plans.
• Progresses concept through initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction and mature technology readiness.
• Documents and communicates plans and evaluations for future work packages, i.e. bid and proposal.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• 0-2+ years of related experience.
• Familiarity with metal additive technology, metal fabrication, machining, and welding technology (electron, laser beam, friction stir).
• Team player, detail oriented.
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Successful candidates must be able to secure Program Access approval.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Security Clearance.
• Experience using 3D modeling and slicing software for additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge and experience with metal fabrication and machining technology.
• Knowledge and experience with metal additive manufacturing technologies including laser powder bed fusion and various direct energy deposition processes.
• Knowledge and experience with electron and laser beam welding and friction stir welding.
• Proficiency in CATIA or other 3D CAD modeling software.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.

Compensation & Additional Information

• Compensation: 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.
• 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.
• Union: This is a union-represented position.