Research and Development Engineer conducts research and development activities for an organization. Applies research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities. Being a Research and Development Engineer summarizes research results and communicates findings to internal and external bodies. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures projects are on time and within budget. Additionally, Research and Development Engineer develops technical documentation for all projects. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Research and Development Engineer work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Research and Development Engineer typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Overview:
As one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of aerostructures, Spirit AeroSystems provides products and solutions for both commercial and defense customers. From today's largest passenger jet to tomorrow's urban air vehicles, Spirit's advanced design, analysis, manufacturing, inspection, and testing experts cover all aspects of product development.
Built to Win. Spirit AeroSystems is home to some of the world’s leading aerostructures engineers and manufacturing minds, with a legacy of aerostructure work stretching back to the world's first aircraft production run of Wright Brothers aircraft in 1909 and defense work in World War I. Now we are applying our recognized design-build capabilities and commercial best practices to innovative technology development programs, delivering low cost solutions for high-rate manufacturing. This experience offers a roadmap for bringing high-rate production to future commercial and defense programs, and it all starts with research and technology to develop and transition advanced material solutions into the manufacturing process faster.
For decades, Spirit AeroSystems has been developing and industrializing material systems for large-scale aerospace manufacturing – from the days of all-metal components and structures through two generations of composites and, now, to next-generation thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials. Leveraging partnerships within the new NASA Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM), we are developing and demonstrating manufacturing approaches and associated technologies for large composite primary airframe structures that enable high-rate production. Our people make these advancements happen; come join the team enabling future aircraft design and production!
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 creates affordable, innovative composite and metallic manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe.
Work Location: Wichita, KS
Key Responsibilities:
· Support advanced manufacturing projects from concept to transition to operation through the stage gate process.
· Conceive innovative manufacturing processes, designs, and advanced technologies for existing and/or new aerostructures.
· Define and perform research programs to mature concepts, technologies and processes.
· Define future factory vision, concepts and options with cost and benefit evaluation.
· Understands full life cycle requirements for product and process development.
· Perform trade studies for design and manufacturing alternatives.
· Defines engineering requirements and compliance approaches up front for design for manufacturing and/or automation
· 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.
· Support production system 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.
Required Skills:
· US. Citizen or Permanent Resident
· Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, preferably from an ABET accredited program with 5-8 years of relevant experience or Masters degree with 4-7 years of experience.
· Ability to Manage with Influence
· Experience building interpersonal professional relationships
· Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Preferred Qualifications:
· 3D computer aided modeling
· Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio
· Experience with metallic manufacturing processes
· Experience in cross-functional project management
· Experience with Continuous Improvement/ Lean/ Industry 4.0/ World Class Manufacturing/ Future Factory/ Production System
· Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain
· Knowledge of operational processes, flow and procedures
· Knowledge of financial processes and procedures
· Knowledge of DES and Animation for experimental simulation and visualization
· Research experience
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.
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.