Dr. Julie Gilpin-McMinn is a Technical Fellow in Human Factors and Ergonomics for Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. With over 25 years in the field, Julie has consistently challenged traditional work practices, methods of analyses, and design with the implementation of creative and innovative solutions to ensure the highest level of compatibility for system requirements and human limitations. Through her efforts in Biomechanics, Human Simulation, hand tool vibration, virtual reality, and most recently, exoskeletal research, Julie has continued to translate emerging technology onto the shop floor. Working closely with Engineering and Manufacturing Operations on new program development, Julie has worked to proactively screen out risk on the front end of design, contributing to the development of an industry recognized ergonomics program.

In addition to being Spirit’s technology leader for Human Factors, Julie has a history of successful collaboration with academia.  She is an adjunct professor at Wichita State University State University.  She has been a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society for over 20 years, where she has held various leadership positions, most recently as the Chair of the Occupational Ergonomics Technical Interest Group and currently as the Chair of the Practitioner Engagement Committee.

Julie received her Ph.D. in Psychology (Human Factors) from Wichita State University in 1998, where she specialized in cognition, human-computer interaction, and aerospace with a supporting field in industrial engineering ergonomics.