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Production Manager – Automated Assembly & Manufacturing

Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS

Level
Manager
Team
Production
Base pay
$71k–$109k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
22 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management production role at Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace & defense) in Wichita, KS. You will lead highly automated machining and advanced manufacturing operations.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, Automation, CNC, Machining, SAP
Base pay
$71k–$109k
Day to day
relocation help

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Production Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $105k–$161k. This one lists $71k–$109k.

Median of the low and high ends of 11 live postings that list pay, out of 30 production engineer openings in Kansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Kansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 29 other live production postings in Kansas.

Base pay
About 32% below similar roles

Typical $105k–$161k, from 8 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (5+ vs 7+)

Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Lean 67%
  • Team leadership 60%
  • EHS / safety 37%
  • Six Sigma 33%
  • ✓ SAP 27%
  • Root cause 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Automation, CNC, Machining, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Relocation help

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Spirit AeroSystems

    We found 5 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to John → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita

34 other open roles at this site · 5 people we found in production roles at Spirit AeroSystems.

All 35 roles at Spirit AeroSystems →
Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

Position

Responsibilities

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

Basic

Qualifications

(Required Skills/Experience): 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) Ability to work any shift or alternative schedule as needed and overtime as required

Preferred Qualifications

(Desired Skills/Experience): 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 Additional Information: Relocation assistance is available. We are conducting a national search and encourage candidates with strong machining and advanced manufacturing leadership backgrounds to apply. 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: $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. Click here for more information on the tax credit. #LI-MR1

Position

Responsibilities

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

Basic

Qualifications

(Required Skills/Experience): 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) Ability to work any shift or alternativ

Show full 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.

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