Tool Engineer Manager

The Boeing Company; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 119,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a Boeing subsidiary, seeks an experienced Tool Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and support of airplane manufacturing tooling, jigs, and fixtures in a highly regulated aerospace environment.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality tooling and process improvements across programs, with mentoring for teams and a strong emphasis on producibility and customer collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 5+ years of experience as a Tool Engineer Manager, Supervisor, or Team Lead in a highly-regulated, safety-focused manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams in fast-paced aviation/aeronautics manufacturing environments.
• 10+ years with CAD systems, CATIA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Applies engineering principles to design and support airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., jigs, fixtures, drill/equipment).
• Leads tool engineering projects and teams to ensure tool deliverables meet manufacturing plans.
• Performs stress analysis, circuit design, mechanics of materials, and fluid dynamics as needed during tooling work.
• Drives process improvement, product optimization, and technology development.
• Interfaces with programs, functions, and external customers to ensure producibility and manufacturing input.
• Produces tooling layouts and prepares NC data for tooling fabrication.

Skills

Tool engineering

Team leadership

Process optimization

CAD/CATIA

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

Tools

CATIA CAD

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, 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.

Position Responsibilities:

• Applies engineering principles and technical knowledge to the design and support of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment, gauges, assembly jigs, drill equipment, etc.).
• Develops designs that include concept; analysis of structural, electrical, and mechanical systems; and definition of the tool, ensuring compliance with company and governmental processes, policies, and procedures.
• Identifies, designs, and implements advanced technologies to improve manufacturing processes.
• Resolves concerns arising during the fabrication process and maintenance disposition, requiring such engineering principles as stress analysis, circuit design, mechanics of materials, fluid dynamics.
• Conducts trade and cost studies. Integrates define and produce activities across the tool family to ensure that parts meet definition and manufacturing plan requirements.
• Provides technical knowledge and leadership to projects requiring key tool engineering competencies (e.g., jig and fixturing methods and concepts, hole preparation, automated drilling and fastener systems, test systems, part handling and transportation, etc.) to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes.
• Focuses primarily on achieving excellent customer service by leading process improvement activities, process and product optimization strategies, and technology development and software applications.
• Interfaces technical and administrative knowledge across programs, functions and organization boundaries and levels within the scope of assignment.
• Creates and articulates accurate detailed instructions and media for the fabrication of detail, assembly, and digital database tooling.
• Produces tool layouts and oversees the fabrication and verification of tool deliverables. Laysout or creates computer-generated models in conjunction with numerical control data preparation for the fabrication of tooling deliverables (e.g., master tooling, computer-generated tooling, flat pattern layouts, computer master database models, etc.).
• Acts as liaison, provides producibility and manufacturing input, and electronic measurement services for internal and external customers.
• Monitors quality through statistical process control and other verification methods. Interfaces with production manufacturing, product definition, manufacturing engineering, and external customers.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or other related course of study obtained from an ABET accredited engineering program or equivalent international accreditation.
• 5+ years of relevant experience as a Tool Engineer Manager, Supervisor, or Team Lead in a highly-regulated, safety-focused manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 10+ years of experience with aviation or aeronautics manufacturing is desirable.
• Proven experience using engineering principles and technical knowledge to design and support use of airplane manufacturing tools (e.g., access equipment and structures, handling and transportation, test equipment, gauges, assembly jigs, drill equipment, etc.).
• Proven expertise in achieving excellent customer service by leading process improvement, product optimization strategies, and technology development and software applications.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams in a fast-paced aviation / aeronautics manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of Tool Engineering experience in Assembly, Bond or Detail Tooling.
• 10+ years with CAD systems, CATIA preferred.

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 are 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: $119,050 - $182,500

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.