Production Manager - Automated Assembly & Manufacturing

Spirit AeroSystems; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 71,150 - 109,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Kansas Tax Credit

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems is seeking a Production Manager in Wichita, Kansas, to oversee machining and advanced manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in CNC machining and automation.

This role involves leading production teams, driving safety, quality, and performance, as well as implementing Lean manufacturing principles. Relocation assistance and a competitive salary based on experience are available.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Direct leadership experience in CNC machining or advanced machining technologies.
• Ability to work any shift or alternative schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead production teams supporting machining and automated operations.
• Oversee advanced manufacturing processes including CNC machining.
• Drive operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

CNC machining

Automated fastening systems

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units (“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities: As a Production Manager, you will lead highly automated machining and advanced manufacturing operations. This role requires direct experience overseeing machining-driven manufacturing processes and is ideal for a hands‑on leader with expertise in CNC machining, automated production systems, composite automation, or other precision manufacturing operations.

In this role, you will:

• Lead production teams supporting machining, assembly, and automated manufacturing operations while driving safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Oversee advanced manufacturing processes including CNC machining, automated fastening systems, trim and drill operations, composite automation, and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP).
• Drive operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives within machine‑driven production environments.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations teams to resolve production issues and improve efficiency.
• Champion Lean manufacturing principles, workforce engagement, and process optimization.
• Support new program introductions, automation initiatives, and production ramp activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee development.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Direct leadership experience with one or more of the following:
  • CNC machining or advanced machining technologies
  • Automated fastening systems (Broetje preferred)
  • Trim & Drill operations
  • Composite automation
  • Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to work any shift or alternative schedule as needed and overtime as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Technical, or Business‑related field.
• Aerospace, automotive, heavy manufacturing, or other highly automated manufacturing experience.
• Experience leading projects, process improvements, and production ramp activities.
• Experience with SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Union environment experience preferred.

Benefits

Relocation assistance is available.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $71,150 - $109,100

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. For more information on the tax credit.

Additional Information

We are conducting a national search and encourage candidates with strong machining and advanced manufacturing leadership backgrounds to apply.