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Spirit Defense - Associate Tool Engineer

Wichita, Kansas Job ID 2026-16605 Category Tooling Role Type Onsite Post Date Apr. 15, 2026
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At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.


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.

Position Responsibilities:

  • 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, gauges, assembly jigs, drill equipment, etc.)
  • Develops designs that include concept; analysis of structural, and mechanical systems; and definition of the tool, ensuring compliance with company and governmental processes, policies, and procedures.
  • Identifies, designs, and implements advanced technologies to improve manufacturing processes.
  • Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, mechanics of materials.
  • Conducts trade and cost studies. Integrates define and produce activities across the tool family to ensure that parts meet definition and manufacturing plan requirements.
  • Provides technical knowledge and leadership to projects requiring key tool engineering competencies (e.g., jig and fixturing methods and concepts, hole preparation, automated drilling and fastener systems, test systems, part handling and transportation, etc.) to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes.
  • Focuses on achieving excellent customer service by leading process improvement activities, process and product optimization strategies, and technology development and software applications. Interfaces technical and administrative knowledge across programs, functions and organization boundaries and levels within the scope of assignment.
  • Creates and articulates accurate detailed instructions and media for the fabrication of detail, assembly, and digital database tooling.
  • Produces tool layouts and assists in the fabrication and verification of tool deliverables.
  • Lays out or creates computer-generated models in conjunction with numerical control data preparation for the fabrication of tooling deliverables (e.g., master tooling, computer-generated tooling, flat pattern layouts, computer master database models, etc.).
  • Acts as liaison, provides producibility and manufacturing input, and electronic measurement services for internal and external customers.
  • Monitors quality through statistical process control and other verification methods.
  • Interfaces with production manufacturing, product definition, manufacturing engineering, and external customers.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Requires educational credentials meeting the Boeing Wichita classification standards for engineers and typically 3 to 5 years' experience in a related classification / position.
  • Bachelor's of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or other related course of study from an ABET accredited University OR a Master’s degree with 2 to 4 years' experience in a related classification / position
  • This position requires the willingness / 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.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Microsoft applications
  • 3D Printing, NC programming, composite/assembly jig building process.
  • Experience with CAD (CATIA V5/V6, NX, 3DX , Siemen…ect.)
  • Experience with structural analysis. Methods include the use of both classical hand calculations and computer techniques, infinite element and software uses such as NASTRAN/PATRAN, FDA/FEMAP. Understanding the structure loading and environment including applied loads, loads for initial Sizing and Development, interface Loads in Static, Fatigue, Deflection and Surface analysis.
  • Active Secret DoD Clearance (Within the last 24 months).
  • Experience with SAP

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: $75,850- $116,300

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.


Export Control Requirements:

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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Your Benefits

No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.

  • Generous company match to your 401(k).
  • Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
  • Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
  • Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
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These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.

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