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Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager

Spirit AeroSystems · Wichita, KS1mo agoverified 19 h ago
$71k – $109k

Manage composite and bonding fabrication teams building defense aerospace parts and subassemblies

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own composite and bonding production for Spirit Defense, an independent defense/space supplier with rapid prototyping work.

Might not be for you. People-management and production-compliance heavy, not open-ended R&D; requires U.S. citizenship and a Secret clearance.

Bench and deskManages people Senior hires only

Adjacent materials rolecomposite and bonding technicians; composite fabrication and bonding operations; Bonding and composites experience

Seniority
Manager
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yrs
Industry
Aerospace
Role
Management / Director
Clearance
Secret
Visa
No sponsorship
Materials
composites512 rolesadhesives/bonding materials
Benefits
$5,000 Kansas aviation tax credit

Role details

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, 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.

  • Positions available for the 1st or 2nd Shift*

Position Responsibilities

  • Leads, mentors, and develops composite and bonding technicians, ensuring adherence to company standards, quality requirements, and continuous skills development
  • Oversees compliance with aerospace manufacturing specifications, FAA regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality management systems
  • Reviews and approves manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, and production plans to ensure efficient, repeatable, and high-quality composite fabrication and bonding operations
  • Investigates manufacturing defects, nonconformances, and root causes, implementing corrective and preventive actions to improve product quality and reduce rework
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, cost reduction, production efficiency, process optimization, and on-time delivery through Lean manufacturing and best practices
  • Interfaces with engineering, management, suppliers, and customers to meet product requirements and customer acceptance
  • Fabricates detail parts and subassemblies from composite and bonded materials using conventional, numerical control, and special composite/bonding fabrication equipment
  • Performs related functions to provide complete composite/bonding fabrication details and subassemblies

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the Wichita, KS location

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

  • 5+ years of manufacturing or related experience
  • 2+ years of related experience in a leadership and/or management role
  • 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)

  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance
  • 3+ years of related experience in a leadership and/or management role
  • Bonding and composites experience
  • Aerospace and/or Military background
  • Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience working with multiple cross functional groups (Quality, Assembly, Procurement, Supply Chain, Machining, etc.)
  • Experience developing and managing a statement of work on time and within budget
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience using SAP
  • Experience working in a union environment with collective bargaining agreements
  • Experience monitoring cost
  • Experience managing projects
  • Experience with strategic planning
  • Experience working with New Product Introduction (NPI)

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.

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 employment visa status.

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.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role at Spirit AeroSystems?

The listed annual base salary range is $71K–$109K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does Spirit AeroSystems sponsor work visas for the Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role?

This employer will not provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Where is the Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role at Spirit AeroSystems based?

This role is based in Wichita, KS.

What degree is required for the Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role at Spirit AeroSystems?

This role requires a Not specified.

How many years of experience does this Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role require?

The posting calls for at least 5 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Spirit Defense - Composites and Bonding Specialist Manager role work with?

composites, adhesives/bonding materials.