Ashley E. Reynolds of Kansas has spent more than 15 years building a successful career in the aerospace industry. Now, she is a metallurgical engineer at Spirit AeroSystems Inc., where she has applied her expertise since 2023. In this role, she conducts drawing reviews, correlates process and material requirements, collaborates with suppliers and manages special process approvals. Her career at Spirit AeroSystems began with two summer internships, which led to a full-time position in 2010.
During the next decade, Ms. Reynolds honed her skills in laboratory analysis and program support roles. In 2021, she transitioned to Dynamic NC as director of quality, engineering and estimating, where she gained invaluable experience that further enriched her professional journey. She returned to Spirit AeroSystems in 2023, resuming her focus on the defense sector. Her most significant accomplishments include her involvement in programs that successfully achieve significant milestones. Laying a strong educational foundation, Ms. Reynolds earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T) in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in operations management from Friends University in 2012.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Reynolds’ passion for aerospace developed early, beginning with a high school report on space and airplanes that introduced her to metallurgical engineering. During a campus visit to South Dakota Mines, she was inspired by a demonstration of explosive forming, which sparked her interest in materials analysis. This fascination deepened when Spirit AeroSystems attended a career fair at her university, leading to her internships and eventual full-time role.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Reynolds is dedicated to mentoring. She has had the privilege of mentoring several young women as they transition to a full-time career and in the early stages of their careers. Her commitment to excellence has earned her several accolades, including the Recent Graduate Award from the Metallurgical Engineering Department at SDSM&T in 2019.
Ms. Reynolds attributes her success to the mentorship and encouragement she received from deans, professors, and colleagues during her academic and professional journeys. These leaders instilled in her the importance of perseverance, adaptability and taking chances on herself. Their guidance helped Ms. Reynolds embrace challenges and seize new opportunities, shaping her into the professional she is today.
Adjacent to her professional life, Ms. Reynolds is a devoted mother who enjoys cooking, baking, and all things food. Looking to the future, as she navigates changes at Spirit AeroSystems in the midst of its acquisition by Boeing, she remains committed to advancing her career and deepening her expertise as a technical specialist. She aspires to leave a lasting professional impression defined by enthusiasm and confidence, providing excellent support and efficient problem-solving while continuing to grow within the evolving landscape of Spirit AeroSystems.