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Hands On Engineering Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Strong technical aptitude and willingness to remain engaged in hands-on engineering activities when needed. Why work for Productive Resources? Productive Resources is a full-service engineering firm ...

Azure AI Developer

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$54.50 - $67.50/hr

The role involves hands-on development with a focus on AI, requiring a full stack developer with skills in C#, .NET, React, Python, and Azure cloud platform. Qualifications : Required : • Hands On ...

We are seeking hands-on engineering professionals who can work directly with production teams to improve manufacturing methods, solve build issues, optimize processes, and support Design for ...

Ready to combine hands-on engineering with a deep curiosity about how Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success actually work? Then this may just be the role for you. In order to support our continued ...

NC Programmer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

This role involves creating machine tool paths based on engineering specifications and CAD models ... Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam, CATIA V5, or ...

NC Programmer (Mastercam)

Park City, KS · On-site

$26 - $35.75/hr

This role involves creating machine tool paths based on engineering specifications and CAD models ... Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam, CATIA V5, or ...

NC Programmer (Cleared)

Wichita, KS

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam, CATIA, or Siemens NX required. * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering ...

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Hands On Engineering information

See Kansas salary details

$41.5K

$131K

$155.2K

How much do hands on engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hands on engineering in Kansas is $130,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $154,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hands on engineering?

A Hands On Engineering job involves direct, practical work with materials, components, and systems, rather than solely focusing on design or theoretical analysis. Engineers in these roles often build, test, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical, electrical, or software systems in real-world applications. They may work in labs, manufacturing facilities, or field environments, applying engineering principles to solve technical challenges. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and seeing tangible results from their efforts.

What does a hands on engineering professional do?

As a Hands On Engineering professional, your daily tasks usually involve assembling, testing, and modifying prototypes or products, conducting experiments, and recording data to improve designs or processes. You may work closely with design engineers, technicians, and production teams to solve technical challenges and implement improvements on the shop floor or in the field. Regular responsibilities often include troubleshooting equipment, interpreting technical drawings, and ensuring all projects comply with safety and quality standards. This role provides a dynamic, collaborative environment where practical problem-solving and technical expertise directly impact project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in hands on engineering?

To excel in a Hands On Engineering role, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience with design, fabrication, and testing processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, lab equipment, rapid prototyping tools, and industry-specific safety standards is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability enable you to troubleshoot issues and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These competencies are vital for delivering practical engineering solutions, ensuring safety, and efficiently contributing to project goals.

Do hands-on engineers do any hands-on work?

Hands-on engineers actively participate in practical tasks such as assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment or systems. Their work often involves using tools, performing physical tasks, and applying technical skills directly in the field or lab environment.

What hands-on engineering job is most hands-on?

A hands-on engineering job that is highly tactile and practical is often in fields like mechanical or electrical engineering, where workers directly assemble, test, and troubleshoot equipment or systems. These roles typically require physical skills, tools, and sometimes certifications, and involve working in labs, workshops, or on-site environments.

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Hands On Engineering jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Hands On Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Hands On Engineering job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,984 per year, or $63 per hour.

Engineering Manager

Butler National Corporation

New Century, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

For over a half century, Avcon Industries, Inc. has designed complex special-mission and ISR aircraft modifications. Avcon provisions aircraft with custom Pods, camera ports, radomes, equipment racks, mission consoles, underwing stores, and more. Avcon modifications support surveillance, patrol, target towing, search and rescue, and aerial survey missions. Avcon provides Turn-Key Product Design, Manufacture, Installation, Testing and FAA Certification Support.

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating Avcon Industries’ Engineering team and coordinating engineering activities across multiple aircraft modifications and special mission programs. This position provides day-to-day leadership to engineering personnel while solving technical problems, supporting design activities, and assisting Production and Installation teams as needed.

The Engineering Manager will establish daily engineering priorities, assign and monitor tasks, manage engineering workloads, and ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. This position works closely with Program Management to understand project requirements, engineering schedules, resource needs, and potential risks that may impact cost, quality, or delivery.

Essential Responsibilities:Engineering Leadership & Task Management
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to the Engineering team.
  • Define, prioritize, assign, and monitor daily engineering and design tasks based on project requirements, schedules, and available resources.
  • Process and assign Engineering Change Requests (ECRs).
  • Maintain and manage the Engineering Task List, including task status, priorities, and completion dates.
  • Monitor engineering workload and resource capacity across multiple concurrent programs.
  • Establish engineering priorities and communicate expectations, deadlines, and deliverables to engineering personnel.
  • Provide technical direction and oversight while maintaining accountability for engineering task completion.
  • Identify resource constraints, schedule risks, and technical issues and coordinate appropriate solutions.
  • Mentor and develop engineering personnel and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Design & Technical Engineering Support
  • Provide hands-on engineering support for aircraft modification programs, STC projects, repairs, and installations.
  • Perform and/or oversee design engineering activities, including drawings, layouts, design documentation, and technical solutions.
  • Review engineering drawings and technical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
  • Assist engineers in resolving complex technical problems and provide practical engineering solutions.
  • Support Certification Engineering with technical information, engineering analysis, testing, evaluations, and other substantiation activities as required.
  • Ensure engineering designs meet applicable FAA requirements, customer requirements, and Avcon procedures.
  • Utilize CAD and other engineering tools to support design and modification activities as needed.
  • Provide engineering support during aircraft installations and modifications, including troubleshooting issues that arise in the field.
Program Management & Schedule Coordination
  • Work closely with Program Management to understand project scope, engineering requirements, milestones, and schedules.
  • Establish engineering task priorities and schedules that align with overall program requirements.
  • Provide regular updates to Program Management regarding engineering progress, resource requirements, technical issues, and potential schedule impacts.
  • Participate in Master Schedule, Production, Kit Status, and other project meetings as required.
  • Identify engineering risks and issues that could affect project cost, schedule, quality, or delivery and develop appropriate action plans.
  • Coordinate engineering resources and deliverables across multiple concurrent aircraft programs.
Production, Installation & Field Support
  • Provide engineering support to Production and Installation teams to resolve technical and design issues.
  • Participate in Production and installation meetings and provide technical direction and follow-up.
  • Evaluate field conditions and determine appropriate engineering solutions.
  • Coordinate design changes, repairs, and engineering documentation resulting from installation activities.
  • Support engineering activities at off-site modification locations as required.
  • Provide technical support for post-delivery customer issues and engineering-related concerns.
Process Improvement & Team Development
  • Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, workflows, communication, and efficiency.
  • Assist in developing and implementing engineering procedures, standards, and best practices.
  • Provide technical and engineering training to Engineering, Production, Installation, and other personnel as appropriate.
  • Assist with determining engineering staffing and resource requirements based on current and projected workload.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance engineering quality, productivity, and program execution.
Qualifications:Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5–10 years of progressive engineering experience, preferably in an aviation or aerospace environment.
  • Previous experience working with aircraft modifications, aircraft systems, aerospace manufacturing, MRO, STC programs, or a similar aviation environment.
  • Experience working with FAA requirements and aircraft certification processes.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to effectively direct, prioritize, and manage the workload of engineering personnel.
  • Strong technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Strong understanding of engineering processes, project schedules, and resource planning.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Production, Installation, Program Management, customers, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to provide direct technical support when needed.
Preferred
  • CAD experience, preferably with experience creating or modifying engineering drawings and layouts.
  • Experience in a manufacturing, aircraft completion, MRO, or aircraft modification environment.
Work Environment:

This position operates in a dynamic aircraft modification and special mission environment and requires the ability to balance engineering leadership responsibilities with hands-on technical support. The Engineering Manager may occasionally be required to support aircraft modification activities at off-site locations and work outside normal business hours based on project requiremen