Spirit Defense - Associate Tool Engineer
Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $76k–$116k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace & defense) in Wichita, KS. Identifies, designs, and implements advanced technologies to improve manufacturing processes.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- SPC, FDA / GMP, Tooling, CATIA / NX, SAP
- Base pay
- $76k–$116k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $86k–$131k. This one lists $76k–$116k.
Median of the low and high ends of 11 live postings that list pay, out of 29 manufacturing engineer openings in Kansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 28 other live manufacturing postings in Kansas.
- Base pay
- About 11% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $86k–$131k, from 10 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 59%
- Root cause 38%
- Lean 38%
- Team leadership 34%
- Six Sigma 31%
- ✓ Union environment 31%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Spirit AeroSystems
We found 13 people at this company and state: 9 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Dustin → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita
34 other open roles at this site · 13 people we found in manufacturing roles at Spirit AeroSystems.
- Operations Engineering Manager · Production · Manager
- Engineering Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Industrial Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level) · Industrial
- Crane Maintenance Manager · Reliability · Manager
- Quality Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level, or Senior) · Quality · Senior
- Mid-Level Continuous Improvement Specialist · Lean / CI · Specialist
Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Position
Responsibilities
Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment, gauges, assembly jigs, drill equipment, etc.) Develops designs that include concept; analysis of structural, and mechanical systems; and definition of the tool, ensuring compliance with company and governmental processes, policies, and procedures. Identifies, designs, and implements advanced technologies to improve manufacturing processes. Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, mechanics of materials. Conducts trade and cost studies. Integrates define and produce activities across the tool family to ensure that parts meet definition and manufacturing plan requirements. Provides technical knowledge and leadership to projects requiring key tool engineering competencies (e.g., jig and fixturing methods and concepts, hole preparation, automated drilling and fastener systems, test systems, part handling and transportation, etc.) to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Focuses on achieving excellent customer service by leading process improvement activities, process and product optimization strategies, and technology development and software applications. Interfaces technical and administrative knowledge across programs, functions and organization boundaries and levels within the scope of assignment. Creates and articulates accurate detailed instructions and media for the fabrication of detail, assembly, and digital database tooling. Produces tool layouts and assists in the fabrication and verification of tool deliverables. Lays out or creates computer-generated models in conjunction with numerical control data preparation for the fabrication of tooling deliverables (e.g., master tooling, computer-generated tooling, flat pattern layouts, computer master database models, etc.). Acts as liaison, provides producibility and manufacturing input, and electronic measurement services for internal and external customers. Monitors quality through statistical process control and other verification methods. Interfaces with production manufacturing, product definition, manufacturing engineering, and external customers.
Qualifications
Basic
Qualifications
(Required Skills/Experience): Requires educational credentials meeting the Boeing Wichita classification standards for engineers and typically 3 to 5 years' experience in a related classification / position. Bachelor's of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or other related course of study from an ABET accredited University OR a Master’s degree with 2 to 4 years' experience in a related classification / position This position requires the willingness / 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.
Preferred Qualifications
(Desired Skills/Experience): Microsoft applications 3D Printing, NC programming, composite/assembly jig building process. Experience with CAD (CATIA V5/V6, NX, 3DX , Siemen, etc.) Experience with structural analysis. Methods include the use of both classical hand calculations and computer techniques, infinite element and software uses such as NASTRAN/PATRAN, FDA/FEMAP. Understanding the structure loading and environment including applied loads, loads for initial Sizing and Development, interface Loads in Static, Fatigue, Deflection and Surface analysis. Active Secret DoD Clearance (Within the last 24 months). Experience with SAP 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: $75,850- $116,300 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. #LI-MR1
Position
Responsibilities
Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
