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Operations Engineering Manager

Wichita, Kansas
Full Time On-site

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 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.

The group you will join, Operations Engineering Management – P&IE is responsible for leading Operations, Quality, and Safety planning and other operational execution activities. This role focuses on ensuring our systems are optimized to meet throughput, delivery, and recovery requirements across commercial, defense, aftermarket, and internal Boeing programs. You will manage an extended team of twelve, including four mechanical and manufacturing engineers (direct reports) and eight operations support professionals.

You will also create, develop, and oversee the implementation of new manufacturing build plans, conduct root cause analysis, monitor quality and safety activities, and mentor your team. This new high-visibility role will require at least half of your time on the factory floor, in addition to office work. There will be opportunities to expand your strengths in this dynamic, ever-evolving environment.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Manage professional engineers and operations support staff 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 Production Engineers 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):

  • Requires a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering, or a relevant discipline.
  • 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):

  • 10+ years of experience preferred.
  • Master of Science Degree in Engineering preferred.
  • Aerospace, mechanical, or industrial 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.
  • Experience with Catia software is a plus.

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

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.#LI-CG1

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.

About Boeing

Boeing

Boeing is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, supporting critical military, commercial aviation, space, and national security missions. With a long history of innovation, Boeing develops advanced aircraft, satellites, autonomous systems, defense platforms, and space technologies used by the U.S. military and allied partners worldwide. The company plays a major role in programs ranging from fighter aircraft and military helicopters to missile defense, space systems, and next-generation aviation technologies.

For job seekers, Boeing offers opportunities across nearly every area of aerospace and defense, including engineering, software development, cybersecurity, manufacturing, supply chain, program management, aviation maintenance, and defense operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, engineers, and candidates looking for mission-driven work with strong long-term career growth. Boeing also offers extensive training, leadership development, and opportunities to work on some of the most recognized aerospace programs in the world.

Unlike smaller defense firms focused on a single capability, Boeing provides employees exposure to a broad mix of commercial and defense technologies. Teams contribute to programs involving military aircraft, autonomous systems, satellites, advanced manufacturing, AI, and next-generation aerospace innovation. Employees often value the combination of large-scale engineering challenges, global impact, and the stability of a major industry leader.

As defense modernization, commercial aviation, and space investment continue to grow, Boeing remains one of the most recognized employers in aerospace and government contracting. For professionals seeking a mission-focused career with strong benefits, technical growth, and opportunities to work on world-changing technologies, Boeing continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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