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Associate Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Viavi Solutions

Associate Test Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Associate Test Engineer VIAVI Solutions - AvComm Business Unit | Wichita, KS Summary The AvComm Business Unit of VIAVI Solutions has an opening for an Associate Test Engineer to join our Test ...

Viavi Solutions

Associate Test Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Associate Test Engineer VIAVI Solutions - AvComm Business Unit | Wichita, KS Summary The AvComm Business Unit of VIAVI Solutions has an opening for an Associate Test Engineer to join our Test ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Associate Tool Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Associate Tool Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Associate Tool Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Kansas

Associate Engineer information

See Kansas salary details

$37K

$73.7K

$117.7K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Kansas is $73,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $84,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate engineer?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What are some typical challenges associate engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

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

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

How much does an associate engineer get paid?

An associate engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What can I do with an associate engineer's degree in engineering?

An associate engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles such as technician, assistant engineer, or project support staff. These positions often involve tasks like drafting, testing, data analysis, and using tools like CAD software, with opportunities for on-the-job training and certification to advance in engineering fields.

What is the salary of an associate engineer?

The salary of an associate engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.
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Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,699 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Material & Process Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$96K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 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
Key Accountabilities
  • Apply Engineering Principles: Utilize engineering knowledge to support the development, design, manufacturing, assembly, evaluation/inspection, and procurement of aircraft or aerospace structural details and assemblies.
  • Material Selection and Development: Recommend and select processes, coatings, and components, considering environmental and regulatory requirements for chemical, environmental, and mechanical aspects of aerostructures.
  • Concept Development: Develop new concepts for aerostructures aligned with OEM process requirements.
  • Research and Development: Support research projects to resolve process challenges, enhance manufacturing and assembly processes, and advance aerospace materials technology.
  • Process Improvement: Innovate chemical process and assembly operations to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and compliance with contractual and regulatory standards.
  • Standards Development: Contribute to the development and maintenance of engineering standards and specifications.
  • Documentation: Review and approve engineering drawings and documents for part conformance and to assist in resolving part failure analysis for fabrication, assembly and in service problems.
  • Problem-Solving and Quality Improvement: Utilize analytical problem-solving skills to enhance delivery efficiency and quality, including Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCAs).

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Associate Engineer (Level 2): 2+ years working as an engineer in a related field
  • Mid-Level Engineer (Level 3): 5+ years working as an engineer in a related field
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multi-functional teams
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and work independently
  • Effective time management

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Industry Experience: Prior experience in the aircraft/aerospace industry focusing on aerostructure materials, processes, and standards.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD tools such as Catia V5/6, Enovia, PASS, PDMLink, along with Project Planning (MS Project), Engineering Resource Planning Tools (SAP/cERP/gPLM), and standard MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, Visio).
  • Advanced Education or Experience: A Master's degree in Chemical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Alternatively, a minimum of five years of direct technical experience in aircraft/aerospace engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Process Improvement: Training or certification in Lean or Six Sigma.

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 Engineer (Level 2): $79,000 - $121,100
Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level Engineer (Level 3): $96,050 - $147,250
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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