Production (Weaving) Manager

Spirit Textiles, A Spirit AeroSystems Company | engineered textile products for aerospace and defense

Spirit Rhode Island's facility is focused on textile engineering and manufacturing of 2D woven fabrics, 3D woven preforms, braided materials and resin transfer molded composites. We work with the stiffest, strongest, and lightest fiber in the world including carbon, glass, aramid (kevlar) and ceramic.

Our products are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for US military ground vehicles.

Your role: Spirit AeroSystems Textiles is seeking a 2D Weaving Manager to work in our growing Woonsocket, RI facility.  The position supports various aspects of our “2D weaving” business including recurring production of standard carbon fabrics and related roll goods as well as contract R D weaving of custom, 2D woven constructions.  The position will provide direct leadership to the 2D weaving organization that causes it to excel at safe behaviors, product quality and delivery, cost effectiveness, and continuous improvement in a facility that runs one shift now but plans to grow to a multiple shift operation.

Job responsibilities:

• Defines and achieves department goals including safety, quality, cost, and cycle time in alignment with business goals
• Serve as customer interface in a combined sales / product manager / sales-service role
• Write work orders for set-up and weaving of roll goods products per customer specifications
• Coordinate QC and shipping of finished goods
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 / AS9100 requirements.
• Maintain raw material (fiber) and finished goods (woven fabric) inventory
• Collaborate with loom mechanic(s), engineer(s) and general manager to support scheduling, production planning, staffing and loom set-up / maintenance
• Work with head mechanic(s) to support establishment of a continuous maintenance plan for weaving looms and other related textile equipment and support compliance to the plan
• Responsible for annual performance reviews
• Coaches and trains employees to improve performance and works closely with HR to develop and build a high-performance manufacturing team
• Administers the HSEP program for the department and/or manufacturing area; accountable for compliance with and enforcement of all corporate and regulatory HSEP standards and procedures
• Ensures that proper training and communication is provided for all personnel in responsible areas
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities and manages related projects
• Drives Lean activities in production area
• Ensures all employees are knowledgeable of, and comply with all company policies, practices, and standards

What we need from you:

• Familiarity with high-end fibers including carbon, glass, aramid, and ceramic fibers
• Familiarity with woven carbon fabric constructions and specifications
• Strong knowledge base of the woven carbon fabric supply chain including fiber manufacturers and woven fabric end users and applications
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100
• Strong team player with enthusiasm to work in a creative and versatile environment
• Ability to make independent decisions, be self-motivated, possess excellent communications skills, be detail-oriented, and team player
• Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• A strong customer focus (internal and external)
• Ability to coach others
• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chain systems and shop floor control

Preferred:

• 10 years professional experience in manufacturing and/or sales role(s) within the composites industry
• Familiarity with textile machinery including weaving looms, braiders and yarn handling
• Prior experience managing recurring production and contract R D projects under the same roof

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• Medical / Dental / Vision effective on day of hire
• 8% 401k Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus