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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS

Material & Process Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$96K - $147K/yr

... aerospace materials technology. * Process Improvement: Innovate chemical process and assembly ... Associate Engineer (Level 2): 2+ years working as an engineer in a related field * Mid-Level ...

Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, mechanics of materials. * Conducts trade and cost ...

Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, mechanics of materials. * Conducts trade and cost ...

Associate Tool Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$76 - $116/hr

Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, mechanics of materials. * Conducts trade and cost ...

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Associate Materials Engineer information

See Wichita, KS salary details

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How much do associate materials engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate materials engineer in Wichita, KS is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate materials engineer?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

What types of projects does an associate materials engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.

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

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

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

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

Are associate materials engineers in high demand?

Associate materials engineers are in steady demand due to their role in developing and testing materials for industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek expertise in materials selection, quality control, and sustainability practices, often requiring knowledge of materials testing tools and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS?

For Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS are:

Associate Material Review Engineer

Wichita, KS • On-site


Spirit AeroSystems
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

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

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$76K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


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:

  • Material Review Engineers represent the entirety of Engineering, asmembers of the Material Review Board (MRB), in an Aerospace production or preproduction environment.
  • Requires the capabilities to formulate,analyze, substantiate and document dispositions for production nonconformances within the boundaries of Federal Aviation Regulations and OEM delegated requirements.
  • Utilize independent, single signature authority for dispositioning nonconformances 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.
  • MRB engineers are self-motivated and possess the ability to act decisively, communicate effectively, and demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness when exercising his or her roll in MRB delegated or non-delegated environments.
  • Utilize skills in applying systems-thinking to improve producibility of hardware and in resolution of productionproblems.
  • 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.
  • Must have completed an Engineering degree from an ABET accredited and/or Washington Accord recognized college/university.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University
  • 2+ years of engineering experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment.
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with composite materials in design.
  • Knowledge of CATIA V5 programs
  • 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 communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness.
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum.

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: $76,250 - $116,900  

Compensation Note:

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.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University
  • 2+ years of engineering experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment.
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with composite materials in design.
  • Knowledge of CATIA V5 programs
  • 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 communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness.
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum.

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: $76,250 - $116,900  

Compensation Note:

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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME


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