Research and Development Engineer jobs in Kansas

Overview

Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France, and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles, and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe.

Spirit is focused on areas of Manufacturing Research and Development that specifically address current factory needs and anticipate challenges for commercial and defense programs of the future. Spirit not only utilizes the latest technology — we develop it.

As a Manufacturing Research & Development Engineer you will be responsible for collaborating with manufacturing and factory support organizations to design, create, produce, test, and implement innovative solutions to the most difficult manufacturing problems in the Spirit Production System.

You will need to exhibit an exceptional degree of ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. The Ability to apply advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories, and concepts and well as highly advanced job practices, techniques, and standards into your work.

Demonstrate a high level of initiative and the ability to take charge independently and get the job done.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

· Plan and perform engineering testing / analyses and use advanced statistical and scientific methods to address and resolve engineering and production problems and to assure product manufacturability.

· Prepare evaluation reports, analyzes discrepancies, makes recommendations for, and initiates the most cost-effective improvements for product, assemblies, structures, equipment, procedures, and manufacturing or operating processes that improve productivity and quality and reduce flowtime.

· Work closely with our Manufacturing Research Development team, Operations, and all support groups to identify and create effective solutions for manufacturing problems.

· Progresses concept through initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction and mature technology readiness - to implementation.

· Utilizes 3D CAD software such as CATIA or Solidworks to generate parts and assemblies.

· Effectively communicates status and results to team members, management, and customers.

· Contributes to a collaborative team environment internally and externally.

· May perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

· Motivated to drive improvements to the Spirit Production System

· 6-9  years’ related experience plus a bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program or 4-6 years’ related experience with a master’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited Engineering program. 

· Experienced with CAD design packages such as SolidWorks or CATIA V5 (Part design, Assembly, and drafting workbenches)

· Strong ability to work independently, make decisions, and take action with minimal supervision.

· Exemplary role model with exceptional leadership and conflict resolution skills, fostering trust, active listening, and effectively leading engineering project teams.

· Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

· Experience with Aerospace Manufacturing Processes and having demonstrated the ability Design, Create and Produce Solutions for Specific Manufacturing Needs.

· Knowledge of GD&T for defining and communicating design intent and engineering tolerances that help engineers and manufacturers optimally control variations in manufacturing processes

· 3D Computer Aided Modeling Experience

· Hands-on experience using and operating laboratory equipment (Power tools, 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, CNC Routers, Drill Press, and Dimensional Measurement Equipment)

· Ability to manage more than one project concurrently and still meet project schedules.

· Experience with hands on Aerospace Manufacturing Processes

· Experience working in the Aerospace, Defense or Automotive Industry

Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.