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Uas Program Manager Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Uas Program Manager information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$34.4K

$96.1K

$140.5K

How much do uas program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for uas program manager in Wichita, KS is $96,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a UAS program manager and how can they be addressed?

A UAS Program Manager often faces challenges such as rapidly evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring safety and compliance across operations, and coordinating the integration of new technologies with existing processes. Addressing these challenges requires staying current with FAA regulations, fostering clear communication between technical teams and stakeholders, and implementing structured project management methods. Building strong relationships with regulatory bodies and investing in ongoing training for team members also helps to maintain operational efficiency and program success.

What is a UAS program manager?

UAS Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, within an organization or agency. Their duties include managing teams, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, coordinating projects, and overseeing budgets and timelines. They also work closely with stakeholders to ensure that UAS programs align with organizational goals and safety standards. UAS Program Managers often possess expertise in aviation, engineering, project management, and regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAS program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAS Program Manager, you need expertise in unmanned aerial systems, project management experience, and a relevant degree in engineering, aviation, or a related field. Familiarity with UAS operations, FAA regulations, project management software, and often certifications such as PMP or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and manage complex projects effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring program success, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient UAS operations.

What is the difference between Uas Program Manager vs Uas Operations Manager?

AspectUas Program ManagerUas Operations Manager
CertificationsFAA Part 107, PMP (optional)FAA Part 107, Safety certifications
Work EnvironmentProject planning, coordination, client communicationOperational oversight, team management, flight operations
Employer & IndustryDrone service providers, aerospace companiesDrone service providers, logistics, infrastructure inspection

The Uas Program Manager focuses on managing drone projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring client requirements are met. In contrast, the Uas Operations Manager oversees daily drone operations, safety protocols, and team management during flight activities. Both roles require FAA certifications and industry experience but differ in scope—project management versus operational execution.

What job categories do people searching Uas Program Manager jobs in Wichita, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Uas Program Manager jobs in Wichita, KS are:
What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Uas Program Manager jobs? Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Uas Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Uas Program Manager job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,135 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Spirit Defense - Material Review Engineer (Associate, Mid-Level , or Senior)

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 hours ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit's Defense Business Unit ("Spirit Defense"). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.

Spirit Defense designs and builds aerostructures across multiple OEMs, including the Northrop Grumman B-21 program, Lockheed/Sikorsky CH-53K program, Large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Programs, and other emerging and classified projects. Spirit Defense programs involve fully integrated fuselage, wing, pylon, and nacelle components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

This Material Review Engineering role may support any of the above programs in a hands-on factory support role resolving product/process issues during aircraft production.


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Material Review Engineers represent the entirety of Engineering, as members of the Material Review Board (MRB) in an Aerospace production or preproduction environment.
  • MRB engineers are self-motivated and possess the ability to act decisively, communicate effectively, and demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness when exercising his or her role in MRB delegated or non-delegated environments.
  • Utilize independent, single signature authority for dispositioning non-conformances on aircraft structural components, systems, functional tests, and wiring/electrical installations under rapid paced production schedules.
  • This decision/disposition process is based upon knowledge of the design and manufacture of machined /sheet metal parts, weldments, non-metals,advanced composites, and/or large-scale assemblies and systems integration.
  • Utilize skills in applying systems-thinking to improve producibility of hardware and in resolution of production problems.
  • Possesses the ability to investigate for root cause and recommend resolution to design discrepancies.
  • Has the ability to manage projects and lead or participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering and manufacturing initiatives

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University
  • 2+ years of engineering experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment.
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with composite materials in design.
  • Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives.
  • Experience in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance documents, engineering repair design, and repair substantiation working for an airline, FAA Part 145 Repair station, and/or aircraft OEM Liaison.
  • Skill in applying systems thinking to improve maintainability of components and to resolve component performance problems.
  • Knowledge of both production and design processes including aircraft industry standard repair methods.
  • Ability to develop innovative revisions to the design and manufacture of machined parts, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, non-metals, advanced composite components, and new material integration.
  • Skill in the initiation of design and process changes.
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum.

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Shift:

This position is for 1st shift.

Drug Free Workplace:

We are 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.

Pay & Benefits:

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.

We also provide 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 - Associate (Level 2): $76,250 - $116,900

Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $89,500 - $137,250

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $115,750 - $177,500

Compensation Note:

Employees in this position may become eligible for an additional premium upon receipt of applicable delegation authority, reflecting the increased responsibility associated with holding delegated authority.

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems' Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

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.

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