Technology Research Manager jobs in Wichita, KS

Overview

Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe.

This is an experienced composite engineer job position requires working in a cross-functional team of engineers and analysts to develop materials, manufacturing processes, and designs for cutting-edge development projects, in support of our composite aircraft manufacturing. Using design for manufacturing skills, you will provide manufacturing definition, perform part fabrication, and ensure developmental thermoplastic composite materials and processes are capable of quality, high-rate manufacture.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceive new product configurations, designs, manufacturing processes and advanced technologies for new aerostructures.
• Define and perform research programs to mature concepts, technologies, and processes.
• Define future factory vision, concepts and options.
• Perform trade studies for design and manufacturing alternatives.
• Define test plans, conduct testing, and author test reports.
• Work in concert with key functions to align and advance research plans. Build positive relationships with internal support disciplines, customers and suppliers.
• Progress concept through initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction and mature technology readiness.
• Produce tooling and composite manufacturing definition for test and demonstration articles and implement in a production representative environment.
• Create plans and evaluations for future work packages, i.e., bid and proposal. Define necessary resources and development plans.
• Provide support to R&D projects and function as the Principal Investigator if needed.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Candidate must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.   
• Works mostly independent with minimal supervision
• Strong technical knowledge of composite materials, aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering in an aerospace or similarly regulated environment
• Function as technical expert for various composite manufacturing including but not limited to autoclave cure, resin infusion, bonding, oven consolidation, stamp forming, and welding areas.
• Develop test plans, coordinate testing, test reports and author process specifications for both internal and external customers.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the processing of Thermoplastic based continuous carbon fiber composites, especially stamp forming and welding processes.
• Experience with mechanical testing of composites.
• 3D CAE/CAM of composite structures.

Educational Requirements:

• BS or MS or PhD Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Materials science engineering from an ABET accredited institution
• For Bachelors, 5 – 8 years of professional experience within aerospace industry
• For Masters, 3 – 6 years of professional experience within aerospace industry
• For PhD, 0 – 3 years of professional experience within aerospace industry

Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.