What's Happening?
Spirit Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, is seeking an Associate Operations Support Specialist in Wichita, Kansas. This role is critical for providing operational process expertise and guidance to the build plan, including methods,
techniques, sequence of steps, tool plans, and layouts. The specialist will be responsible for staying current with industry best practices and implementing them within operations. Key duties include developing labor-hour estimates, as well as tooling and build concepts for new bid proposals, and providing expertise in production engineering disciplines. The position requires applying principles of quality engineering, industrial engineering, and manufacturing engineering, coordinating with various support disciplines such as engineering, management, lean, and tooling. The specialist will also develop quality and cost-effective production methods, lead long-range technical research, and guide less-experienced manufacturing support staff. Candidates need at least five years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and manufacturing support, or a Bachelor’s degree with two years of experience, and the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
Why It's Important?
This role at Spirit Defense is vital for enhancing the efficiency and quality of defense manufacturing operations, directly impacting the production of critical components for the defense and space marketplace. By focusing on process optimization, cost-effectiveness, and the implementation of industry best practices, the Associate Operations Support Specialist contributes to the overall competitiveness and operational excellence of Spirit Defense. The development of labor-hour estimates and tooling concepts for new bid proposals is crucial for securing future contracts, which in turn supports job creation and economic stability in the Wichita area. The need for a U.S. Secret Security Clearance underscores the sensitive nature of the work, highlighting its direct connection to national security interests. This position ensures that Spirit Defense can deliver high-quality products efficiently, supporting the broader U.S. defense industrial base and its ability to meet the demands of military and space missions.
What's Next?
The immediate next step involves the recruitment and selection of a qualified Associate Operations Support Specialist. Once hired, the individual will integrate into Spirit Defense's operations, focusing on optimizing manufacturing processes and supporting new bid proposals. This will involve close collaboration with engineering, management, and production teams to implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives. The specialist will also be instrumental in developing and refining production methods to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality. Long-term, the successful execution of this role will contribute to Spirit Defense's ability to secure new contracts and enhance its reputation as a reliable supplier to the defense and space sectors. This continuous improvement cycle is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and supporting the evolving needs of the U.S. defense industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The demand for specialized roles like the Associate Operations Support Specialist reflects the ongoing drive within the U.S. defense industry for greater efficiency, innovation, and cost control. In an era of increasing global competition and evolving threats, defense contractors like Spirit Defense must constantly refine their manufacturing processes to deliver advanced capabilities while managing costs. This role also highlights the critical intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and business development within the defense sector, where technical expertise must be coupled with strategic planning for future contracts. The emphasis on continuous improvement and lean methodologies points to a broader industry trend of adopting best practices from commercial manufacturing to enhance defense production. Furthermore, the requirement for security clearance underscores the inherent trust and responsibility placed upon individuals working on defense projects, reinforcing the importance of national security in every aspect of the production chain.
