Spirit Defense - Senior Operations Engineering Manager
Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $144k–$221k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 13 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace & defense) in Wichita, KS. An interim and/or final U.S.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause
- Base pay
- $144k–$221k
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 $144k–$221k.
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 48% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $93k–$154k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ 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.
At a glance
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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- Quality Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level, or Senior) · Quality · Senior
- Mid-Level Continuous Improvement Specialist · Lean / CI · Specialist
Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Position
Responsibilities
Manage, develop, and motivate employees to achieve high performance Oversee and approve technical approaches, products, and processes Establish, oversee, and administer processes, policies, and practices and determine resource requirements, acquisition, and redeployment plans Oversee and manage budgets of the organization and development projects Understands full life cycle
requirements
for product development Defines factory vision, and strategy Works with subordinates to establish and evaluate employee performance plans Interfaces with other organizations, internal/external customers, and suppliers to define and evaluate accomplishment of project, program priorities and approvals, and assist in roadblocks elimination Manages employees and multiple levels of management applying industrial and manufacturing engineering techniques and concepts to optimize production system design and operational efficiency Develops and executes integrated departmental plans, policies and procedures and provides input on departmental business and technical strategies, goals, objectives Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners and direct reports Provides oversight and approval of technical approaches, products and processes Team is responsible for long-range asset planning, headcount planning, short- and medium-range resource planning, and emergent support as needed Team is considered subject matter experts for Factory/Operations Metrics and Improvement, helping to provide insight into performance, target opportunities for improvement, and drive on-time delivery of quality product, safely Set operational goals and acquire necessary resources for projects and processes Provide technical management of suppliers and lead process improvement initiatives Develop and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, stakeholders, and team members Provide technical inputs for derivatives and future requests for proposals Oversee and approve technical approaches, products, and processes Interface regularly with executive leadership, customers, and program stakeholders to provide status updates and drive resolution of key issues This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at our Wichita, KS, location
Qualifications
Basic
Qualifications
(Required Skills and Experience): Bachelor's degree in engineering or related 4-year technical degree 10+ years of experience with one or more of the following within the Manufacturing Operations function (e.g., Shop Floor Manufacturing Operations, Production/Manufacturing Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, or Industrial Engineering) 10+ years of experience leading various problem-solving methods (i.e. Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, or other assessment, audit and investigative models) 5+ years of related management, supervisory, and/or leadership experience Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
Preferred Qualifications
(Desired Skills/Experience): Master’s degree in engineering or a related field Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with military or defense programs Strong knowledge of mechanical assemblies, manufacturing processes, or industry standards Thorough understanding of root cause analysis and related analytical methodology (Five Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa Analysis, 8D, etc.) and root cause driven engineering changes Experience or relevant course work in any of the following: Six Sigma, Lean+, Manufacturing and/or Process Improvement Leadership in major business transformation initiatives Progressive leadership experience with increasing scope and responsibility Strategic leadership mindset Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 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: $144,050-$220,850 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. 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
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Overview 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.
