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Flightline Operations Manager-KC46 Tanker

Tukwila, Washington Job ID JR2026496587 Category Security Clearance Role Type Onsite Post Date Feb. 25, 2026 Security Clearance Required
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Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is hiring a Flightline Operations Manager (Level K) to join our team located in Tukwila, WA.  Join the dynamic BDS KC-46 team delivering Tanker aircraft directly to the Warfighter. As Flight Line Manager, you’ll lead Teams performing final acceptance activities on the flight line, coordinating with our USAF customer to ensure aircraft meet strict safety, quality, and contract requirements.

Why this role stands out

  • Directly support the Warfighter by ensuring aircraft are delivered mission capable.
  • High-visibility, hands-on leadership working with USAF and Boeing stakeholders.
  • Real-time problem solving under tight schedules.

Key responsibilities

  • Promote the Boeing Values and Behaviors and championing a Positive Safety Culture.
  • Coordinate pre-flight inspections, functional checks, and final Delivery flight.
  • Lead technicians, resolve technical issues, and ensure compliance with flight release procedures.
  • Facilitate and develop continuous improvement activity and participate in RCCA

Ideal candidates will have experience and ability with

  • Aircraft delivery, flight line, or test experience (military or industry).
  • Strong technical and communication skills; decisive under pressure.
  • Flexible schedule and readiness to travel as needed.
  • Make an immediate impact ensuring mission-ready aircraft leave our flight line.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Ensures that air vehicles are completed and pass certification for airworthiness by overseeing final component installation, systems operation functional testing, modification, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, preflight and postflight checks, release for flight, and preparation for delivery.
  • Interfaces with flight crews, engineering, management, suppliers, and customers to meet product requirements and ensure customer acceptance.
  • Develops and executes project and process plans, implements policies and procedures and sets operational goals.
  • Acquires resources for projects and processes, provides technical management of suppliers and leads process improvements. Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners and direct reports.
  • Provides oversight and approval of technical approaches, products and processes.
  • Manages, develops and motivates employees.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Ability to work any shift and travel based on the needs of the operation
  • Willingness to work overtime and weekends
  • 3+ years of flight line operations experience
  • 3+ years of experience working on mid to large complex programs; ideally within defense and/or aerospace
  • 3+ years of experience leading a cross-functional team
  • 1+ year of experience interfacing with U.S. Government customers
  • Strong communication skills & ability to interface with senior-level executives
  • Experience with working to lead and develop teams to execute to safety, quality, delivery & cost commitments, and utilizing the One Boeing Production System
  • Active passport or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • A&P License preferred
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and a continually changing environment
  • Strong leadership skills, the ability to create and deploy shared vision and strategic plans
  • Effective change leader; builds trust across diverse teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of work performed by various Operations departments and the interactions between various disciplines (i.e. Engineering, Facilities, Supplier Management, Program Management)
  • Relates well to manufacturing workforce when leading the organization, develop people and create a team environment
  • Experienced in mentoring and developing leaders
  • Ability to build an environment of inclusion, transparency and trust

Conflict of Interest:

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

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. 

Additional Information:

·         This position requires travel up to 10% of the time

Shift:

·         There may be additional shift requirements to support program objectives

Relocation:

·         This position is located in a location that does not offer relocation.  Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense

Total Rewards:

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: $119,850 – $162,150 USD


Applications for this position will be accepted until Mar. 06, 2026


Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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Your Benefits

No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.

  • Generous company match to your 401(k).
  • Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
  • Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
  • Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
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These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.

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