Composite & Bonding Specialist, Sr. Manager

Prestwick Aerosystems; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc. seeks a Senior Manager, Composite & Bonding to lead our fabrication operations in Kinston, NC.

You will set policies for the fabrication operating system, oversee manufacturing processes, and drive improvements to support production goals. The role requires extensive experience in aviation manufacturing, strong leadership, and the ability to guide cross-functional teams while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 8–10 years of experience in aviation manufacturing.
• 5+ years in a leadership position; multicultural environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Operations team across fabrication to meet production rates and quality.
• Oversee budgeting, tooling, and materials, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and training, including succession planning and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with Quality, Procurement, and other functions to optimize workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Aviation manufacturing

Quality systems

Communication

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Notice: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (English)

Aviso: Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminación (Spanish)

Job Description

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston is looking for a Composite & Bonding Specialist, Sr. Manager to join our team based in Kinston, NC.

The Sr Manager is responsible for technical leadership along with oversight of all manufacturing activities within the respective business of Fabrication. Plans, directs and coordinates the policies and procedures for the Fabrication’s operating system and assists in evaluating current and proposed systems and procedures. Recommends changes, when necessary, and assists in implementation of new processes to support the Fabrication sector of the business.

Meet the Team

Our team at Airbus Aerosystems Kinston manufactures crucial aircraft components. On the shop floor you’ll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled in areas like electrical, structure and quality. Join our team and help build the next generation of aircraft.

Your Working Environment

The Airbus Aerosystems Kinston facility sits at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing, specializing in the production of large, advanced composite aerostructures. Our team builds critical components for the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 XWB, including the composite center fuselage and wing spar.

How We Care for You

• Financial Rewards: Competitive pay, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path; as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes; and both national and international mobility.

Your Challenges

Lead and manage the Operations team in respective areas of coverage within S15 to deliver completely equipped panels, on time, quality and cost. Provide direction and oversight into production activities and achieve 10 panels completed to meet rate 7 for all value streams of work. Master all elements of the Performance Management Center to include: Closely monitor and manage all budgetary requirements regarding consumables consumption, hand tools, and Jigs/Tooling maintenance. Addressing all needs concerning Work Orders, WIP materials management, Design and Work Process questions. Responsible for the management of all employees assigned to the Station. Includes the selection, performance management, identification of development needs, and employee recognition. Manage and direct aircraft manufacturing techniques, associated industrial processes, industrial planning, organizing around the product and the related procedures. Responsible for the development of manpower forecast requirements based on line balancing, activity sequencing of PPCB, and identifying the necessary skill sets required to achieve 95%+ In-station Build. Responsible for the prevention and elimination of disturbances in the manufacturing process and monitoring the level of quality output from the team Manage and integrate the activities performed in Fabrication Lead and coach the employees and develop their Leadership skills. Establish expectations for high levels of flexibility in their respective areas and “multiple skills” requirements for the workforce and Performance Management Centers. Actively manage the transfer from Trainers (expats) to employees through succession planning, preparation, knowledge transfer validation, and training. Lead and maintain a high level of technical knowledge among the workforce in regard to mobility, turn-over and integration/development of new operators. Function as a role model and leader in the observance of OSHA rules and regulations. Ensure the importance and company commitment to safety is in the forefront of thought and action on the part of every employee. Support the Analysis for the Cost of Non Quality data to identify root cause and eliminate human factor quality defects that occur in the manufacturing/assembly process, as quickly and as early as possible. Proactively identify and resolve problems to prevent disagreements and encourage cooperative work relationships. Engage with support staff from Quality, Procurement and other specialty areas to improve work flow and enhance existing processes. Collaborate with the procurement function to ensure the acquisition of necessary consumable materials as well as tools and other equipment. Coach, Train, and Lead Operations Teams in achieving the annual objectives Responsible for A/C documentation for Hand Over to next Station, accurate Quality Gate data, and FOT achievement. Manage departmental budgets/costs in accordance with AOP objective Additional Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned.

Your Boarding Pass

• A Bachelors' degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 8 -10 years of experience in aviation manufacturing.
• 5 or more years of experience in a leadership position
• Experience in a multicultural work environment.
• Experience with Quality / Logistics rules in aviation manufacturing.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills on different levels, a structured way of working and the ability to deal with a volume of complex information.
• Have an aptitude to plan and organize to ensure the attainment of results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to articulate complex issues to others.
• Skilled at communicating with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters is essential.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Travel less than 5%
• Ability to work in different production management systems
• High degree of flexibility and initiative
• Citizenship: Authorized to work in the US

Physical Requirements

• Vision: adequate to enter and read material on computer screens. Able to identify individuals to initiate greetings, the giving of directions and other business interactions
• Hearing: able to hear sufficiently to engage in conversation in office settings; Able to hear safety alerts and warning signals.
• Speaking: able to engage in conversations in person and via electronic means and deliver information to groups of varying size with or without amplification.
• Equipment Operation: Able to operate a wide range of tools and equipment including hydraulic lifts and arms.
• Carrying: able to occasionally carry up to 20lbs/9kg which engaging in training, addressing production issues or as part of continuous improvement projects.
• Lifting: able to occasionally lift up to 30lbs/14kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: able to push/pull items in office areas and on shop floor.
• Sitting: able to sit for extended periods of time at computer and in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for extended periods of time delivering information.
• Travel/Mobility: able to travel overseas and domestically sometimes for extended periods of time and on short notice.
• Walking: able to walk through office and production areas, around flight line and airstrips and sometimes on uneven indoor or outdoor surfaces other business interactions
• Space Limitations: Working on jigs at fuselage at a height of 15 feet.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

As a leader in our field, Airbus provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. NOTE: Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc Employment Type: US - Direct Hire Experience Level: Professional Remote Type: On-site Job Family: Composite Manufacturing

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail]. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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