Production Engineering Specialty Senior Manager

Boeing · New Orleans · $170,000–$230,000 (stated in the posting)

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Company:

We are seeking a Production Engineering Specialty Senior Manager, with deep expertise in weld engineering and responsibility for specialty production disciplines supporting the Space Launch System (SLS) program in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ideal candidate will lead multi-site teams, drive production improvements across welding and specialty operations, manage cost accounts, and interface with NASA and prime integrator stakeholders to deliver large-scale flight hardware on schedule, to cost, and to specification.

This role offers a rare chance to blend legacy and innovation: steward a facility with decades of mission-critical experience while implementing advanced manufacturing, quality, and systems-thinking to improve throughput, reduce risk, and accelerate Artemis missions.  If you thrive on high-visibility impact, mentoring engineering talent, and solving complex production challenges at scale, you’ll help shape the next chapter of human spaceflight from one of its most iconic manufacturing hubs.

Join a storied center of American spaceflight — the Michoud Assembly Facility, a historic manufacturing powerhouse that helped build the Saturn V and now fabricates the core stages that propel NASA’s Artemis Space Launch System (SLS).  Apply to lead production engineering where history meets mission-critical innovation — make Michoud’s next era your legacy.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Specialty Production Engineering Senior Manager overseeing welding, machining, tool engineering, Lift & Move operations, laser operations, and NC programming for the SLS program.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team (~30+ engineers and technical staff) across multiple sites, including hiring, performance management, and career development.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for major weld centers and weld processes (friction stir welding, robotic weld tools including I-Stir, VAC, vertical assembly center tools).
• Own production execution for specialty disciplines: coordinate machining and NC programming, tool engineering changes, lift & move/crane critical lifts, and laser operations integration with welding and assembly.
• Manage work order/MES coordination, scheduling with manufacturing & industrial engineering, and multi-shift operations to meet program milestones.
• Oversee weld process development, tool certifications, non-conformance dispositions (MRB), and major weld repairs; ensure adherence to specifications, tailoring documents, and DPI updates.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to resolve production constraints at complex weld centers and predecessor assembly interfaces.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce production cost, decrease non-conformances, shorten build times, and improve safety and ergonomics across specialty operations.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors on tooling, drawings, NC programs, and process changes; lead technical reviews and change presentations for program and customer stakeholders.
• Provide program-level communications and progress updates (including Microsoft Project and technical briefings) to senior leadership and NASA customers.
• Manage and be accountable for cost accounts associated with specialty production engineering activities: budgeting, tracking actuals vs. plan, forecasting, and presenting cost status to program leadership.
• Ensure training, certifications, and quality controls are maintained for the specialty production engineering organization; promote a culture of inclusion, safety, and ownership.

Competencies & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with proven ability to resolve complex production constraints across multiple specialty disciplines.
• Strong mentorship and people management skills; experience developing junior engineers into technical leads.
• Results-oriented with a strong safety-first mindset and commitment to quality.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, high-visibility programs with close customer engagement.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

The position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

This position requires the ability to obtain access to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) facility.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

• 10+ years of production/weld engineering experience on complex aerospace or spaceflight hardware; progressively responsible technical and leadership roles.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams of engineers and technical staff.
• Direct experience with friction stir welding and robotic welding tools, including tool certifications and troubleshooting.
• Experience overseeing machines, NC programming, tool engineering, Lift & Move operations, and laser process integration.
• Experience with MRB/non-conformance disposition processes.
• Experience planning and executing production at multi-site facilities and coordinating with manufacturing/industrial engineering for MES/work orders.
• Experience in cost account management (budget ownership, tracking, forecasting, and reporting) for production engineering activities.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Master’s degree in engineering, engineering management, or related field

• Experience on large spaceflight programs (e.g., SLS, RS-25 or equivalent).
• FAA A&P background, NDI Level 2 certification, or equivalent inspection/maintenance credentials.
• Strong communication skills; experience presenting technical rationale and program updates to internal leadership and external customers (NASA preferred).
• Experience with Windchill/APDM or PLM systems.
• Training/certification in critical lift/crane operations, robotic weld operator certifications, and environmental/compliance programs.
• Prior field engineering or operational test experience (engine test, borescope inspections, flight hardware integration).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project.

Conflict of Interest:

• Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Relocation:

• Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Drug Free Workplace:

• Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. 
  • This is a NASA safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Summary pay range: $ 170,000 – $ 230,000

Language Requirements:

Education:

Relocation:

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

Security Clearance:

Visa Sponsorship:

Contingent Upon Award Program

Shift:

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