Spirit Defense - Operations Engineering Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Kansas tax credit

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. in Wichita, KS seeks a seasoned Continuous Improvement Leader to manage CI Specialists and drive manufacturing build plans.

You will own process improvements, root cause analysis and cross‑functional execution to meet tight schedules while ensuring safety and quality. The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing, strong data and metrics experience, and familiarity with SAP or similar MRP systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing production environment.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints.
• Knowledge of SAP or other large‑scale MRP systems.
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication, decisiveness and problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with business and production metrics and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage Continuous Improvement Specialists focusing on manufacturing best practices, quality and safety.
• Develop new manufacturing build plans and conduct root cause analysis as owner of the process.
• Enforce policies and procedures that affect sections and subordinate units.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration to achieve goals and outcomes.
• Ensure timely closure of multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communicate progress to senior leadership and ensure schedule deadlines.
• Lead a team including CI Specialists and union‑represented employees.
• Apply lean practices and safety standards in the manufacturing process.
• Use production metrics to drive decisions and improve quality.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Critical thinking

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit(“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage Continuous Improvement Specialists who focus on best practices for manufacturing operations, including process improvement, quality, and safety.
• Develop new manufacturing build plans, conduct root cause analysis and other necessary activities, as an owner of the manufacturing process.
• Enforce policies and procedures that may affect sections and subordinate work units.
• Use competency to complete tasks with little to no oversight, while communicating cross-functionally to ensure goals and outcomes are achieved.
• Manage multiple tasks to successful closure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ensure that direct reports can meet critical schedule deadlines.
• Interact effectively across all levels of leadership and staff.
• Lead a team including CI Specialists and professional union‑represented employees.
• Interact across all levels of the organization; efficiently and effectively communicate and execute the manufacturing plan and schedule, implement agreed‑upon changes; navigate difficult situations and conversations to a productive outcome.
• Lead team in developing solutions to complex problems which require the consistent use of manufacturing best practices.
• Apply knowledge of tools used in the manufacturing process to ensure lean practices, improve quality, and ensure consistent application of safety practices.
• Experience utilizing production metrics to make informed decisions and drive results.
• Develop, control, and manage effective build plans and communicate progress to senior leadership.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing production environment.
• Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities to develop effective solutions to assembly operations problems, including troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross‑functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives, in a team environment, interact with multiple disciplines and levels of management.
• Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness.
• Knowledge of business and production metrics, structures, and reporting.
• Knowledge of standard business software including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints.
• Knowledge of SAP or other large‑scale MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Manufacturing, Technology or Engineering degrees preferred.
• Experience in Business Management functions.
• Experience with Demand Management.
• Experience with APICS Supply Chain principles.
• Experience with Lean principles, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints.
• Knowledge of Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning.

Drug Free Workplace

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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

Summary Pay Range: $105,300 - $161,450

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post‑Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

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. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Export Control Requirements

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.

• 120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.