1

Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Design, build, and modify test stands and equipment for validation and performance testing * Create ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Design Engineer information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$37.1K

$73.9K

$118.1K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Wichita, KS is $73,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What is an associate design engineer?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

What are some common challenges faced by associate design engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS are:
What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,927 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Spirit Defense - Material Review Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level , or Senior)

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job 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.

Spirit Defense designs and builds aerostructures across multiple OEMs, including the Northrop Grumman B-21 program, Lockheed/Sikorsky CH-53K program, Large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Programs, and other emerging and classified projects.  Spirit Defense programs involve fully integrated fuselage, wing, pylon, and nacelle components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions. 

This Material Review Engineering role may support any of the above programs in a hands-on factory support role resolving product/process issues during aircraft production. 


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Material Review Engineers represent the entirety of Engineering, as members of the Material Review Board (MRB) in an Aerospace production or preproduction environment.
  • MRB engineers are self-motivated and possess the ability to act decisively, communicate effectively, and demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness when exercising his or her role in MRB delegated or non-delegated environments. 
  • Utilize independent, single signature authority for dispositioning non-conformances on aircraft structural components, systems, functional tests, and wiring/electrical installations under rapid paced production schedules.
  • This decision/disposition process is based upon knowledge of the design and manufacture of machined /sheet metal parts, weldments, non-metals,advanced composites, and/or large-scale assemblies and systems integration.
  • Utilize skills in applying systems-thinking to improve producibility of hardware and in resolution of production problems.
  • Possesses the ability to investigate for root cause and recommend resolution to design discrepancies.
  • Has the ability to manage projects and lead or participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering and manufacturing initiatives.

Qualifications

**This position is for 2nd shift**

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University
  • 2+ years of engineering experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment.
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with composite materials in design.
  • Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives.
  • Experience in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance documents, engineering repair design, and repair substantiation working for an airline, FAA Part 145 Repair station, and/or aircraft OEM Liaison.
  • Skill in applying systems thinking to improve maintainability of components and to resolve component performance problems.
  • Knowledge of both production and design processes including aircraft industry standard repair methods.
  • Ability to develop innovative revisions to the design and manufacture of machined parts, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, non-metals, advanced composite components, and new material integration.
  • Skill in the initiation of design and process changes.
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum.

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Shift:

This position is for 2nd shift.

 

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): $76,250 - $116,900 

Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $89,500 - $137,250 

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $115,750 - $177,500    

Compensation Note:

This position includes a minimum shift differential of 10%, depending on assigned schedule. Employees in this position may become eligible for an additional premium upon receipt of applicable delegation authority, reflecting the increased responsibility associated with holding delegated authority.

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.

Qualifications:

**This position is for 2nd shift**

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University
  • 2+ years of engineering experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment.
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with composite materials in design.
  • Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives.
  • Experience in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance documents, engineering repair design, and repair substantiation working for an airline, FAA Part 145 Repair station, and/or aircraft OEM Liaison.
  • Skill in applying systems thinking to improve maintainability of components and to resolve component performance problems.
  • Knowledge of both production and design processes including aircraft industry standard repair methods.
  • Ability to develop innovative revisions to the design and manufacture of machined parts, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, non-metals, advanced composite components, and new material integration.
  • Skill in the initiation of design and process changes.
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum.

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Shift:

This position is for 2nd shift.

 

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): $76,250 - $116,900 

Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $89,500 - $137,250 

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $115,750 - $177,500    

Compensation Note:

This position includes a minimum shift differential of 10%, depending on assigned schedule. Employees in this position may become eligible for an additional premium upon receipt of applicable delegation authority, reflecting the increased responsibility associated with holding delegated authority.

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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Spirit AeroSystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom