Senior FLIGHT DECK Leader – Transformation

GE Aerospace

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior FLIGHT DECK Leader – Transformation applies lean transformation principles and methods through GE Aerospace’s FLIGHT DECK operating model to drive lean conversion at selected GE Aerospace locations. The role provides targeted support to accelerate transformation by converting target lines and value streams to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost (SQDC) performance, while building the capability each site needs to sustain improvements. This is a hands-on, player-coach role. The leader works at Genba alongside operators, front-line leaders and support functions, leading target-line conversions and developing capability in FLIGHT DECK Fundamentals. Depending on business needs, the role may lead a small team of FLIGHT DECK practitioners deployed on conversion assignments. The position is remote, flexible within the United States with ready airport access to target sites, and requires approximately 75% travel. In-person attendance is required for New Hire Orientation on Day 1. Access to U.S. export-controlled information requires the employee to meet the stated U.S. Person status requirements. GE Aerospace describes its work environment as offering professional development, challenging careers and competitive compensation. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations or manufacturing engineering.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience leading lean conversion, including value stream mapping, Kaizen Event leadership, standard work, and flow and pull, with measurable and sustained results.
Ability to meet the stated U.S. Person status requirements for access to U.S. export-controlled information.
Ability to travel approximately 75%, based on business needs, and attend New Hire Orientation in person on Day 1.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering; an advanced degree is a plus.
Experience as a FLIGHT DECK practitioner or with a comparable lean operating system.
Experience in aerospace or another regulated, safety-critical manufacturing environment, such as AS9100, NADCAP special processes or first article inspection.
Lean conversion experience across machining, assembly and test operations.
Experience preparing, facilitating and sustaining 3–5 day Kaizen Events, from defining the problem statement through ownership of follow-up actions.
Hands-on experience with SMED, TPM, 3P and material flow methods such as kanban, supermarkets and Plan for Every Part.
Experience leading or developing a small team of lean practitioners, engineers or front-line leaders.
Experience applying lean in both shop-floor and transactional environments.
Demonstrated FLIGHT DECK behaviors: Respect for People, Continuous Improvement, Customer Driven and unyielding integrity, including the ability to model them on the floor.
Player-coach approach: working hands-on at Genba alongside operators and front-line leaders, building capability by doing the work with the team.
Effective communication at all organizational levels, from front-line operators to site and senior leadership.
Leadership skills including decisiveness, collaboration, clear communication and setting expectations.
Analytical problem-solving, critical thinking, willingness to challenge existing processes and ability to address complex problems.
Hands-on coaching and mentoring skills to build a continuous improvement culture among operators, front-line leaders, practitioners and site leaders.
Change-agent skills, including making the case for lean, demonstrating early impact and driving adoption at each site.
Adaptability, ability to build trust quickly with new teams, manage multiple priorities with a bias for action, and thrive in a high-travel role.
Ability to bring innovative ideas and motivation and create a safe environment for experimentation.

Responsibilities

Deploy to selected GE Aerospace locations and lead hands-on conversion of target lines and value streams to FLIGHT DECK at Genba.
Partner with site leadership and FLIGHT DECK Operations and Transformation Teams to select target lines, establish conversion objectives and SQDC targets, and deploy lean tools and standards.
When needed, lead a small team of FLIGHT DECK practitioners by setting priorities, coordinating work across sites and developing practitioner capability.
Create and execute value stream maps to identify and eliminate waste, unevenness and overburden across manufacturing, assembly and test processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize Kaizen Events, document improvement roadmaps, and lead events from preparation through sustainment.
Optimize material and information flow by leveling workloads, creating continuous flow to takt time, and establishing pull where continuous flow is not possible.
Apply lean conversion standards such as 5S, TPM, SW, SMED, 3P and Material Flow Processes as appropriate to the value stream.
Implement daily management routines and visual tools to track SQDC performance, including Red/Green status and escalation paths.
Facilitate real-time problem solving at Genba and drive team alignment and accountability through structured operating cadences.
Develop, document and sustain standard work for manufacturing, assembly and test operations; ensure adherence to work sequences, timing and safety protocols, and refine standards for continuous improvement.
Apply structured, data-driven problem-solving methods, including TAGS (Trend, Actual, Gap, Standard), lead root cause analysis and implement countermeasures.
Coach and mentor team members, deliver FLIGHT DECK training at the point of work, and build site capability to sustain gains after the conversion team departs.
Share best practices and lessons learned across the FLIGHT DECK community.
Promote transparency, inclusivity and constructive development within the team.
Align operations with customer needs and expectations, use customer value and satisfaction to measure success, and engage with customer insights to drive improvements.