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Spirit Defense - Mid-Level Manufacturing Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS

Level
Engineer
Team
Manufacturing
Base pay
$86k–$131k
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.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Machining, Tooling
Base pay
$86k–$131k

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 $86k–$131k.

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
In line with similar roles

Typical $86k–$131k, from 10 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Typical (5+ years)

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.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

All 35 roles at Spirit AeroSystems →
Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.Show

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 5+ years of relevant experience Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications

(Desired Skills/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 - 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 5+ years of relevant experience Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications

(Desired Skills/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

Show full description ↓

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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