Spirit Defense - Associate Quality Engineer
Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Quality
- Base pay
- $71k–$109k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level quality 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
- Root cause
- Base pay
- $71k–$109k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Quality Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $86k–$132k. This one lists $71k–$109k.
Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 13 quality 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 12 other live quality postings in Kansas.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 3+)
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 69%
- Team leadership 38%
- SAP 38%
- Six Sigma 31%
- Supplier quality 31%
- ISO 9001 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 Quality team at Spirit AeroSystems
We found 9 people at this company and state: 6 in this kind of role, 3 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 Joey → (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?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- 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 · 9 people we found in quality roles at Spirit AeroSystems.
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Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Position
Responsibilities
Develops processes, systems, and equipment to uphold quality, reliability, and system safety standards for company or procured products and services Provides review and analysis of quality system design to ensure the integrity of decisions impacting products and services Analyzes contractual, product definition, and specification
requirements
to develop or modify methods, procedures, and metrics for achieving quality standards Evaluates and provides dispositions for nonconforming materials, parts, and equipment Conducts scientific evaluations, audits, and analyses Tests and approves products, processes, equipment, and measurement systems Ensures processes incorporate configuration management and participates in design and product reviews to meet quality, reliability, safety, and business objectives Conducts research, benchmarking, and analysis to improve process capability and product quality Performs root cause analyses and supports corrective action implementation to address nonconformance issues Interfaces with employees, suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with
requirements
Utilizes statistical methodologies to maintain or enhance safety, reliability, and process capability levels 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 and Experience): Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited Engineering program 2+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or a related engineering field Ability to obtain and maintain 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 (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship) 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or a related engineering field Aerospace background Proficiency in technical writing Experience in strategic planning and operations Competence in conducting quality audits, including process and product auditing 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: $71,100- $109,000 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
Develops processes, systems, and equipment to uphold quality, reliability, and system safety standards for company or procured products and services Provides review and analysis of quality system design to ensure the integrity of decisions impacting products and services Analyzes contractual, product definition, and specification
requirements
to develop or modify methods, procedures, and metrics for achieving quality standards Evaluates and provides dispositions for nonconforming materials, parts, and equipment Conducts scientific evaluations, audits, and analyses Tests and approves products, processes, equipment, and measurement systems Ensures processes incorporate configuration management and participates in design and product reviews to meet quality, reliability, safety, and business objectives Conducts research, benchmarking, and analysis to improve process capability and product quality Performs root cause analyses and supports corrective action implementation to address nonconformance issues Interfaces with employees, suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with
requirements
Utilizes statistical methodologies to maintain or enhance safety, reliability, and process capability levels 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 and Experience): Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited Engineering program 2+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or a related engineering field Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security
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.
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