Spirit Defense - Associate Industrial Engineer
Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Industrial
- Base pay
- $72k–$110k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level industrial role at Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace & defense) in Wichita, KS. An interim and/or final U.S.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Time studies, Plant layout
- Base pay
- $72k–$110k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Industrial Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $72k–$110k. This one lists $72k–$110k.
Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 5 industrial 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 308 other live industrial postings in the US.
- Base pay
- About 14% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $85k–$125k, from 77 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Lean 59%
- ✓ Time studies 40%
- Six Sigma 37%
- New product launch 34%
- Root cause 26%
- AutoCAD 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Union environment, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Industrial team at Spirit AeroSystems
We found 4 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 1 leaders, plus 1 likely hiring manager. 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 Jonathan → (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 it more layout and capacity work, or time studies and standard work?
- 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 · 4 people we found in industrial 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
Analyzes and designs sequence of operations and workflow to improve efficiencies in plant and production facilities and equipment layouts; and establishes methods for maximum utilization of production facilities and personnel and optimization of product flow May establish or assist in establishing accident prevention measures and may manage training programs for personnel concerning all phases of production operations Conducts studies pertaining to cost control, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems. Based on these studies, develops and implements optimized product flow May assist facilities engineers in the planning and design of facilities Develops and provides time standards to the shop floor as well as standard work for operations and processes Utilizes analytical skills for capacity analysis, tool and equipment utilization as well as line balancing This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at our Wichita, KS location.
Qualifications
Basic
Qualifications
(Required Skills/Experience): Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program 2+ years of related industrial engineering experience Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
Preferred Qualifications
(Desired Skills/Experience): Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access Experience in an Aircraft or Aerospace Manufacturing environment Composite experience Advanced Microsoft Office skill level Strong knowledge of industrial engineering tools used in production such as capacity analysis, facility layout, production improvements, etc. 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 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
Analyzes and designs sequence of operations and workflow to improve efficiencies in plant and production facilities and equipment layouts; and establishes methods for maximum utilization of production facilities and personnel and optimization of product flow May establish or assist in establishing accident prevention measures and may manage training programs for personnel concerning all phases of production operations Conducts studies pertaining to cost control, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems. Based on these studies, develops and implements optimized product flow May assist facilities engineers in the planning and design of facilities Develops and provides time standards to the shop floor as well as standard work for operations and processes Utilizes analytical skills for capacity analysis, tool and equipment utilization as well as line balancing This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at our Wichita, KS location.
Basic
Qualifications
(Required Skills/Experience): Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program 2+ years of related industrial engineering experience Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
Preferred Qualifications
(Desired Skills/Experience): Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access Experience in an Aircraft or Aerospace Manufacturing environment Composite experience Advanced Microsoft Office skill level Strong knowledge of industrial engineering tools used in production such as capacity analysis, facility layout, production improvements, etc. 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 pac
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.
