Scientist (Mid-level or Senior)

Spirit AeroSystems•Wichita, KS

About The Position

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 aluminium manufacturing solutions. This is an intermediate or experienced position. Work under general supervision and/or independently with no instructions for routine work and under general supervision for special assignments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar. Engineering degrees must be from an ABET accredited program
5+ years of experience in relevant aerospace industry
Conversant with various analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, Ion Chromatography (IC) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP)
Develop test plans & testing methodology to support program needs, RCCAs, coordinate testing, author test reports for qualification activities, as well as material and process specifications for Spirit AeroSystems
Ability to independently interpret laboratory data, and present findings to M&PE staff and leadership team in clear, concise fashion
Ability to interpret & define requirements to meet customer specifications and manufacturability to ensure solutions meet all applicable requirements
Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to work independently or on a team
Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Nice To Haves

Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience leading a team in a lab setting
Experience with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Dynamic Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS)
Experience with AS9100 and/or NADCAP

Responsibilities

Create and develop innovative solutions to manufacturing issues and/or processes that reduce waste, reduce rework, and improve efficiency and first-time quality.
Maintain and increase knowledge of analytical instruments and methods by researching new testing concepts and processes and determine instrument applicability to further improve Spirit production manufacturing processes. Also maintain lab instruments and establish schedules for preventative maintenance to ensure high instrument uptime.
Develop, update and maintain test methods. Train technicians and ensure their compliance to the methods. Ensure lab is compliant to all applicable company, industry, and regulatory standards.
Maintain accurate laboratory records for laboratory procedures, observations, methods and final results.
Serve as a technical and problem-solving resource for M&PE staff and to production operations.
Lead audit preparations.