Defense Manufacturing Operations Engineering Lead

Spirit Defense, A Boeing Company; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 105,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. (Spirit Defense) seeks an experienced leader to manage Continuous Improvement specialists and own manufacturing processes. You’ll enforce policies, drive lean initiatives, and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet critical schedules while ensuring safety and quality across the defense manufacturing environment.

Qualifications include 5+ years in manufacturing, the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance, and proficiency in SAP/MRP systems, Excel, and blueprints.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance and citizenship requirement.
• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing production environment.
• Strong analytical skills to solve assembly operations problems.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams on engineering initiatives.
• Clear and decisive communication with innovation and resourcefulness.
• Knowledge of production metrics, reporting, and Excel/PowerPoint.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and use SAP or similar MRPs.

Responsibilities

• Manage Continuous Improvement Specialists focused on manufacturing best practices.
• Develop new manufacturing build plans and conduct root cause analysis.
• Enforce policies and procedures affecting sections and units.
• Lead cross-functional communications to achieve goals and outcomes.
• Manage multiple tasks to closure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure direct reports meet critical schedule deadlines.
• Interact with leadership and staff at all levels.
• Lead a team including CI Specialists and union-represented employees.
• Communicate manufacturing plan and schedule; implement changes.
• Develop solutions using lean practices to improve quality and safety.
• Use production metrics to drive decisions and results.
• Create, control, and communicate build plans to senior leadership.

Skills

U.S. secret clearance

Manufacturing experience

Critical thinking

Cross-functional teamwork

Project leadership

Microsoft Excel

Reading blueprints

SAP / MRP systems

Education

Manufacturing/Engineering degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. (Spirit Defense) seeks an experienced leader to manage Continuous Improvement specialists and own manufacturing processes. You’ll enforce policies, drive lean initiatives, and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet critical schedules while ensuring safety and quality across the defense manufacturing environment.

Qualifications include 5+ years in manufacturing, the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance, and proficiency in SAP/MRP systems, Excel, and blueprints.