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Scientist (Mid-level or Senior)

Wichita, Kansas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units (“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminium manufacturing solutions.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Create and develop innovative solutions to manufacturing issues and/or processes that reduce waste, reduce rework, and improve efficiency and first-time quality.
  • Maintain and increase knowledge of analytical instruments and methods by researching new testing concepts and processes and determine instrument applicability to further improve Spirit production manufacturing processes. Also maintain lab instruments and establish schedules for preventative maintenance to ensure high instrument uptime.
  • Develop, update and maintain test methods. Train technicians and ensure their compliance to the methods. Ensure lab is compliant to all applicable company, industry, and regulatory standards.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records for laboratory procedures, observations, methods and final results.
  • Serve as a technical and problem-solving resource for M&PE staff and to production operations.
  • Lead audit preparations.
  • This is an intermediate or experienced position. Work under general supervision and/or independently with no instructions for routine work and under general supervision for special assignments.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar. Engineering degrees must be from an ABET accredited program
  • 5+ years of experience in relevant aerospace industry
  • Conversant with various analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, Ion Chromatography (IC) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP)
  • Develop test plans & testing methodology to support program needs, RCCAs, coordinate testing, author test reports for qualification activities, as well as material and process specifications for Spirit AeroSystems
  • Ability to independently interpret laboratory data, and present findings to M&PE staff and leadership team in clear, concise fashion
  • Ability to interpret & define requirements to meet customer specifications and manufacturability to ensure solutions meet all applicable requirements
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to work independently or on a team
  • 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):

  • Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience leading a team in a lab setting
  • Experience with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Dynamic Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS)
  • Experience with AS9100 and/or NADCAP

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 4): $87,250 - $133,750

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $114,050 - $174,850 

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.

Export Control Requirements:

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

About Boeing

Boeing

Boeing is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, supporting critical military, commercial aviation, space, and national security missions. With a long history of innovation, Boeing develops advanced aircraft, satellites, autonomous systems, defense platforms, and space technologies used by the U.S. military and allied partners worldwide. The company plays a major role in programs ranging from fighter aircraft and military helicopters to missile defense, space systems, and next-generation aviation technologies.

For job seekers, Boeing offers opportunities across nearly every area of aerospace and defense, including engineering, software development, cybersecurity, manufacturing, supply chain, program management, aviation maintenance, and defense operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, engineers, and candidates looking for mission-driven work with strong long-term career growth. Boeing also offers extensive training, leadership development, and opportunities to work on some of the most recognized aerospace programs in the world.

Unlike smaller defense firms focused on a single capability, Boeing provides employees exposure to a broad mix of commercial and defense technologies. Teams contribute to programs involving military aircraft, autonomous systems, satellites, advanced manufacturing, AI, and next-generation aerospace innovation. Employees often value the combination of large-scale engineering challenges, global impact, and the stability of a major industry leader.

As defense modernization, commercial aviation, and space investment continue to grow, Boeing remains one of the most recognized employers in aerospace and government contracting. For professionals seeking a mission-focused career with strong benefits, technical growth, and opportunities to work on world-changing technologies, Boeing continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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