Assembly Specialist Mfg Manager (Main Assembly)

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston is seeking an Assembly Specialist Manufacturing Manager to oversee all manufacturing activities within the S15 Assembly Line in Kinston, NC. This role includes technical leadership, management of tools and jigs, and coordination between multiple supervised processes. The manager will act as deputy for the Business Unit Leader (PLM) in their absence.

About the Team

Our team at Airbus Aerosystems Kinston manufactures crucial aircraft components, including large, advanced composite aerostructures for the Airbus A350 XWB, such as the composite center fuselage and wing spar. You’ll work alongside individuals passionate about aviation, with expertise in electrical, structural, and quality disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Manage all employees assigned to the Station, including selection, performance management, development needs, and recognition.
• Provide direction and oversight to production activities, monitoring aircraft progress through the Station.
• Act as a role model and leader in observance of OSHA rules and company safety commitments.
• Lead the Multi-Functional team in the absence of the Business Unit Leader (PLM).
• Report and update upper management on aircraft progress, alerting colleagues to potential problems and solutions.
• Perform or assign analyses on operational issues, improvements, and savings initiatives.
• Coordinate and communicate Station activities across the line, management team, and relevant parties.
• Ensure orders and material availability to guarantee work progress.
• Foster integration between American and European team members using interpersonal skills.
• Proactively identify and resolve problems to encourage cooperative work relationships.
• Engage with support staff from Quality, Procurement, and other specialty areas to improve workflow and processes.
• Develop manpower forecast requirements based on workload and necessary skill sets to meet delivery schedules.
• Identify, eliminate, and anticipate problems in the manufacturing process.
• Lead the Station in achieving annual objectives (e.g., Continuous Improvement, Quality Gates, and specific KPIs).
• Ensure completion of specified work packages in compliance with costs, quality specifications, and customer expectations.
• Manage aircraft documentation for handover to the next Station (Folio, NC, Intervention Cards, Removal-Sheet-Book, etc.).
• Oversee daily attendance and time management of assigned employees.
• Ensure all value-added time is approved in the work-booking system.
• Support implementation of AOS improvement activities, including Production Pace Control (PPC), SQCDP boards, Daily Quality Gate, and Practical Problem Solving processes.
• Update NC, Job Stops, and Job Blockers as needed.
• Support action plans to improve AOS grade for the assigned area.
• Mentor and develop Lead Technicians in leadership and production processes.
• Provide documented development plans for workforce career progression (Poly-Poly).
• Provide input to the training department for personnel development needs.
• Develop training criteria for the assigned area.
• Manage corrective actions with employees as appropriate.
• Act as part of the Crisis Management Team and lead it if needed.
• Serve as an escalation point during 2nd shift and off-shift working times.
• Support the workforce during emergencies on 2nd shift and off-shift working times.

Requirements

• Associate Degree.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Aviation (Manufacturing Engineering, Assembly Processes, Production methods, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Quality/Logistics rules in aviation manufacturing.
• Effective communication skills at different levels, structured working methods, and ability to handle complex information.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of leadership experience in Aviation.
• Experience in a complex, growing, and dynamic environment with a matrixed reporting structure.

Skills

• Aptitude for planning and organizing to ensure results.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
• Ability to work in different production management systems.
• High degree of flexibility and initiative.
• Familiarity with industry safety practices and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, and MES.
• Up to 5% domestic/international travel.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: Adequate to read computer screens and identify individuals for interactions.
• Hearing: Sufficient to engage in conversation and hear safety alerts.
• Speaking: Able to engage in conversations and deliver information to groups.
• Equipment Operation: Able to operate tools and equipment, including hydraulic lifts and arms.
• Carrying: Occasionally carry up to 20 lbs/9 kg.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift up to 30 lbs/14 kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: Able to push/pull items in office and shop floor areas.
• Sitting: Able to sit for extended periods at a computer or in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve items.
• Standing: Able to stand for extended periods while delivering information.
• Travel/Mobility: Able to travel overseas and domestically, sometimes on short notice.
• Walking: Able to walk through office, production areas, flight lines, and uneven surfaces.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive pay, incentive compensation (including profit-sharing schemes), retirement savings plan, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (including personal time, holidays, and paid parental leave).
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability), Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through Airbus’s global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility.