Production Manager
Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $80k–$120k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace & defense) in Wichita, KS. At Boeing Wichita, you'll have the opportunity to lead teams, develop talent, and contribute to the production of aircraft that serve customers around the world.
- They ask for
- degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Lean, Root cause
- Base pay
- $80k–$120k
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 $80k–$120k.
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 25% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $105k–$161k, 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.
- Operations Engineering Manager · Production · Manager
- Engineering Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Industrial Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level) · Industrial
- Crane Maintenance Manager · Reliability · Manager
- Quality Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level, or Senior) · Quality · Senior
- Mid-Level Continuous Improvement Specialist · Lean / CI · Specialist
Production Manager at Spirit AeroSystems in other locations
Spirit AeroSystems lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
- Tulsa, OK · $71k–$109k
Full description from Spirit AeroSystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
At Boeing Wichita, our Operations teams transform complex manufacturing plans into high-quality aerospace products. We are seeking people-focused leaders who can inspire production teams, execute production schedules, solve operational challenges, and drive performance across safety, quality, and delivery. As a 737 Front Line Leader you will lead frontline manufacturing teams responsible for building critical components and assemblies for the Boeing 737 program. You will play a vital role in developing employees, strengthening team performance, and ensuring production objectives are achieved in a safe, high-quality, and efficient environment. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by helping shape our culture, develop employees, and drive performance while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
What You Will Do
Lead, coach, and develop frontline manufacturing employees to achieve operational objectives and build high-performing teams. Direct daily production activities for aircraft components, details, and assemblies, ensuring work is completed safely and meets established quality and delivery requirements. Execute production plans, monitor performance, and address barriers to achieving safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives. Establish clear expectations, communicate priorities, and promote employee accountability and engagement. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and other manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and maintain workflow. Manage employee performance through coaching, feedback, training, and appropriate performance management practices. Support workforce planning, staffing, resource allocation, and production readiness to meet business requirements. Apply Lean manufacturing principles, process management, and root-cause analysis to identify improvement opportunities and enhance operational performance. Reinforce a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, continuous improvement, and pride in workmanship. Identify and develop future talent to strengthen team capability and support succession planning.
Qualifications
Basic
Qualifications
(Required Skills/Experience): At least one year of relevant leadership experience, which may include team leadership, acting-lead assignments, military leadership, project or program leadership, or formal people supervision; alternatively, completion of an approved Boeing internal leadership development course, subject to approval. Three or more years of aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, or equivalent military experience, subject to final qualification approval. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, establish priorities, and execute objectives in a structured operational environment. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or related process improvement principles. Ability to work an assigned first, second, or third shift based on approved business requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
(Desired Skills/Experience): Three or more years of experience leading manufacturing or production teams. Experience leading or supervising hourly production employees. Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, or employee performance. Experience coaching employees, managing performance, and developing team capabilities. Experience in aerospace assembly, aircraft manufacturing, military operations, or other complex industrial manufacturing environments. Bachelor's degree or higher in a related discipline, or equivalent relevant education and experience. This Is Your Moment to Lead: Great production leaders do more than meet schedules. They develop people, build trust, solve problems, and create an environment where teams can perform at their best. If you're ready to lead from the front, develop talent, and make a meaningful impact on aircraft production, we want to hear from you! Help build the future of flight by joining our team! Shift Information: Boeing Wichita operates across first, second, and third shifts. Available positions and assigned shifts depend on approved business requirements. Candidates may indicate their preferred shift and any additional shifts they are willing to consider. Final shift assignments will align with the needs of the business and the approved position. Conflict of Interest: Successful candidates must satisfy the Co
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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. At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We are committed to fostering an environment where every teammate can contribute, develop, and grow. Why Boeing Wichita? At Boeing Wichita, you'll have the opportunity to lead teams, develop talent, and contribute to the production of aircraft that serve customers around the world. You'll be part of a team committed to: People and Leadership: Building an environment where employees are supported, developed, and empowered to succeed. Safety and Quality: Maintaining the highest standards in a complex manufacturing environment. Operational Excellence: Improving processes, solving challenges, and delivering on production commitments. Teamwork and Innovation: Collaborating across functions to achieve shared goals and strengthen manufacturing performance. The Future of Aerospace: Contributing to the people, processes, and products that keep the world connected.
