Manufacturing Research and Development Manager
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Overview
Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the company operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France, and Malaysia. Its core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles, and wing components for the world's leading aircraft. The company emphasizes affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions globally.
Role Purpose
* Define and implement the MR&D strategy for Spirit Europe in collaboration with the CTO, focusing on cost reduction, industrialization, and enabling technologies.
* Build partnerships to facilitate lower-cost development and quicker ROI, and enhance manufacturing and assembly knowledge within Spirit Europe.
* Develop relationships with academic institutions to foster innovation and lead a team of professional engineers.
Location and Department
Prestwick, United Kingdom, Research and Technology Department.
Benefits
* 37-hour work week with half-day Fridays
* Shift premiums and overtime pay
* 33 days holiday, increasing with service
* Annual bonus, pension scheme, health services, flexible benefits, and more
Responsibilities
* Develop manufacturing and assembly industrialization strategies for Spirit Europe.
* Lead and manage MR&D programs, ensuring deliverables meet cost, quality, and schedule targets.
* Create and oversee industrial bid proposals and manage supply chain relationships.
* Manage industrialization processes to support certification of components.
* Research and incorporate new industrial technologies to maintain competitive advantage.
* Build technical solutions for cost reduction and quality improvement.
* Lead a team of engineers, ensuring project quality and schedule adherence.
* Ensure integration of technical solutions with product development and business strategy.
* Maintain compliance with proprietary technologies and manage external collaborations.
* Foster relationships with academic and industry partners for innovation and cost-effective R&D.
Qualifications
* Desirable: MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or relevant experience.
* Extensive knowledge of industrial technologies, especially in a research environment.
* Experience in assembly techniques, cost analysis, MES, human factors, and quality inspection.
* Strong background in R&D project management and team leadership.
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Decision-Making Authority
* Manage project plans, costs, and schedules independently with minimal oversight.
* Make business case decisions and justify them to senior management.
* Order equipment and tooling within budget constraints.
* Operate independently, making final project decisions based on comprehensive technical plans.
Application Details
Closing date: Tuesday, 27th May at 12pm. External candidates must complete pre-employment checks, including right to work, references, disclosures, and medical assessments. Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected factors.
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