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

PDS Tech Commercial

Mechanical Engineer

Wichita, KS

$38/hr

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 ...

AXIUS GROUP LLC

C061 - NC Programmer

Wichita, KS · Remote

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

... D/CAM software, such as Mastercam, CATIA V5, or Siemens NX required. * Associate's or Bachelor ... Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS * This is a ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Systems Engineer

Wichita, KS · Hybrid

$81.46 - $91.69/hr

Design compliance reports * Performing requirements management, validation, and verification ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

AXIUS GROUP LLC

NC Programmer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

... D/CAM software, such as Mastercam, CATIA V5, or Siemens NX required. * Associate's or Bachelor ... Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS * The Work ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS

Associate Design Engineer information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Wichita, KS is $81,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $93,800.00 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?

An associate design engineer is an entry-level engineering professional involved in designing products, systems, or components under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use CAD software, have a foundational understanding of engineering principles, and may hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. This role often involves collaboration, technical documentation, and supporting design development processes.

What are Associate Design Engineers?

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with roles requiring advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, especially in industries with high demand for technical expertise.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.
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 are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Wichita, KS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,571 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Manufacturing Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$85K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Overview
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 aluminum manufacturing solutions.
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 from an ABET accredited engineering program
  • 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Mid-level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 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
  • Fluent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
  • Working knowledge of CATIA

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 - Associate (Level 2): $71,650 - $109,800
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.

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