Mid-Level Supplier Manufacturing Specialist

Spirit AeroSystems • Wichita, KS

1d

About The Position

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units. Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including fuselages, pylons, nacelles, and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

The Supplier Manufacturing Specialist monitors supplier performance, compliance, and regulatory matters, and works with third-party manufacturers on relationship management, delivery, product development, technical issues, scheduling, quality root cause, and supplier evaluation. The role provides suppliers with information and documentation about how to work with the company, supports communication between suppliers and internal teams, and helps ensure products follow good manufacturing practices and are released on time.

The specialist identifies and evaluates potential suppliers, including their capacity, capabilities, manufacturing processes, and financial stability. The position also supports cost and feasibility requests, vendor quotations, material substitution decisions, and problem solving related to supplier quality, manufacturing, assemblies, and engineering changes. The position is union-represented.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience; or a bachelor’s degree and 5–8+ years of relevant manufacturing experience; or a master’s degree and 4–7+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• 3–5 years of experience working with suppliers.
• 3–5 years of project or program management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and data analytics programs for creating charts, graphs, formulas, and other data-entry methodologies.
• Root Cause and Corrective Action training, methodology understanding, and practical application proficiency.
• High proficiency in problem identification and defining requirements for resolution.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, including excellent cross-functional verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a rapid-paced team environment and independently.
• High-energy, dynamic personality with an ability to effect change.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of MRP systems; SAP is preferred.
• Aerospace manufacturing or aerospace industry knowledge.
• Supplier or supply-chain aerospace experience.
• Manufacturing and supply chain management experience.
• Self-managed, self-motivated, and self-reliant approach.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant course of study.
• Knowledge or experience in manufacturing and manufacturing processes.
• APICS, CPIM, CSCP, or another industry certification.
• Understanding and application of APQP.
• Efficiency in supplier management and recovery.
• Detailed understanding of aircraft certification and structures, including design for fit, form, and function, and basic load-path understanding.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance, compliance, and regulatory aspects of the relationship between the company and third-party manufacturers.
• Address supplier relationship management, delivery issues, product development, technical issues, schedule conflicts, and quality root-cause activities.
• Support supplier discovery, evaluation, and recommendations.
• Generate and interpret data with suppliers and verify the accuracy of information.
• Coordinate development of supplier-manual documentation and provide suppliers with information needed to do business with the company.
• Act as a liaison between the company and suppliers to support communication and ensure products are manufactured according to good manufacturing practices and released on time to meet customer needs.
• Identify potential new suppliers and evaluate their capacity, capabilities, manufacturing processes, and financial stability.
• Respond to internal cost and feasibility requests and obtain vendor quotations as needed.
• Use Microsoft Office 365 programs and project management tools.
• Determine acceptable material substitutions by reviewing applicable specifications and engineering.
• Work with suppliers and partners in quality, detailed manufacturing, and assembly operations to identify producibility problems and determine whether engineering changes are necessary or beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
• Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Programs providing paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Eligible Kansas team members may qualify for a $5,000 Kansas aviation tax credit for up to five years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level