‘Wichita is the Center of Everywhere’: An Engineer’s Return to Kansas

When Chad Miller, 36, decided to return to Kansas after years of living and working in Arizona and Colorado, he wasn’t just coming home, he was seeking opportunity.

“I visited Kansas in May 2024 after not being back since before the pandemic. 2020 changed many things – some for the better, some for the worse. I was pleasantly surprised by the changes I saw in several communities in Kansas. Growth that wasn’t there when I moved away in 2016,” explained Miller.

Shortly after that visit, Miller moved to Wichita. He joined Integra Technologies, the largest Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) service provider in the U.S, as a supplier quality engineer.

“The work done by Integra is key to the future of microchips in America, and I’m really excited to be a part of that,” shared Miller.

For Miller, Wichita offered more than a job. The community’s Midwest values, affordable cost of living and proximity to his retired parents made the move an easy decision.

“There really is no place like home when you’re from Kansas,” he said. “And, of course, the BBQ in Kansas doesn’t hurt either!”

A City That’s the Right Size

Since relocating, Miller has found Wichita to be a perfect balance of big-city amenities and small-town charm.

“Wichita is too big to feel small, but it’s too small to feel big either,” he said. “Traffic isn’t bad, commutes are short and the cost of living is low. Wichita has everything a big city offers but with a slower pace and less congestion.”

Miller has been particularly impressed by the friendliness of the community and the variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

“For being a smaller city, Wichita really offers so much within a short drive,” he noted. “It’s also centrally located with a great airport, making it feel like the center of everywhere.”

Engineering Opportunities in Wichita

With experience in electrical and quality engineering, Miller sees immense career potential in Wichita.

“With so many manufacturing companies in high-tech fields here, there’s always going to be a demand for workers with these skills,” he said. “Integra is just one example of the exciting opportunities for engineers in Wichita.”

Why Wichita Should Be on Your Radar

For Miller, Wichita isn’t just a great place to work—it’s a community that welcomes new residents with open arms and offers the opportunity to live a high-quality life.

“Wichita might not be at the top of someone’s vacation destination list, but for anyone looking for a new place to call home, it should be at the top of their relocation list,” he said. “It’s affordable, easy to get around, and filled with opportunities for career growth and personal fulfillment.”

Whether you’re a fellow Kansan considering a move back home or an out-of-stater looking for a vibrant city with Midwest values, Miller’s story proves that Wichita is a place where great careers—and lives—are built.

To learn more about career opportunities in Wichita, visit Choose Wichita Careers Page.