Engineering Jobs in Wathena, KS
4 positions found
About the Role
We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing, quality, and supply chain for a fast-growing, performance-driven manufacturer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Our client is a high-growth brand well known in their industry for quality and innovation, with a global customer base.
This role will oversee the operational engine of the business—ensuring production scales efficiently while maintaining the precision, quality, and reliability the brand is known for.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on builder who enjoys building and improving systems, developing teams, and creating operational discipline in an environment where speed and execution matter.
This leader will work closely with executive leadership to support growth, new product launches, and expanding OEM partnerships.
Why This Role Is Compelling
This is not a maintenance role. The next Director of Operations will help build the operational infrastructure for the company’s next phase of growth.
Key challenges and opportunities include:
- Scaling production to support increasing demand
- Improving throughput and reducing lead times
- Strengthening quality systems for tight tolerance manufacturing
- Optimizing supply chain and inventory planning
- Supporting new product introductions from R&D to production
For the right leader, this is an opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a growing manufacturing company.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Leadership
- Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production.
- Improve throughput, yield, and on-time delivery across the production floor.
- Implement lean manufacturing tools to streamline production flow and reduce waste.
Quality & Process Excellence
- Own quality performance and ensure products meet strict cosmetic and tolerance standards.
- Strengthen process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement programs.
Supply Chain & Materials Management
- Oversee purchasing, supplier relationships, inventory planning, and logistics.
- Ensure reliable supply and optimal inventory levels to support production and seasonal demand.
Team Leadership
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team.
- Establish clear accountability and foster a culture of ownership and craftsmanship.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Sales and R&D to align production capacity with demand.
- Lead operational planning for new product introductions.
Operational Performance
- Track operational KPIs and convert insights into improvement initiatives.
- Manage operational budgets and drive cost efficiency across the value stream.
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months:
The successful candidate will:
- Improve production throughput and reduce operational bottlenecks
- Strengthen production planning and inventory management
- Implement measurable lean initiatives that reduce scrap and lead times
- Build a more structured KPI framework for operational decision-making
- Develop a stronger production team with clear accountability and performance expectations
- Support the successful launch of new products into production
Preferred Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
(Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related discipline)
Ideal Experience
- 6-10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing or operations
- Experience in precision manufacturing, composites, or similar performance-driven industries
- Proven success improving throughput and reducing lead times using lean methodologies
- Hands-on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP/MRP systems
- Experience managing high SKU counts and seasonal demand
- Experience working in small to mid-sized manufacturing environments
Leadership & Skills
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, quality systems, and production planning
- Data-driven decision-making and operational analytics capability
- Proven ability to lead teams through operational improvements and change
- Strong facilitation, training, and communication skills
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This role offers the chance to build and lead the operational backbone of a growing company known for performance and innovation.
Your leadership will directly influence:
- Production capability
- Product quality
- Operational scalability
- Team culture
For the right leader, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact and help shape the company’s next stage of growth. Would you like to know more? Apply today.
Main Duties & Responsibilities: • Follow proper testing & diagnostic procedures to accurately solve vehicle issues • Maintain a clean, safe working environment • Perform basic auto care and maintenance tasks such as oil changes, fluid level checks, and tire rotation • Perform emissions inspections, safety checks and similar state-regulated vehicle examinations • Test the functionality of parts and systems • Repair brake and steering systems • Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems • Replace or repair transmissions and fuel components as needed • Repair cooling components and systems including air conditioners and engine cooling • Complete tire changing, balancing, and installation • Prepared to get additional certification as needed • Willingness to learn with hands-on training • Communicate effectively with Service Advisor about vehicle status and required parts and labor • Explain automotive repairs and issues to non-technical employees and customers as needed • Uphold the culture and values of our independently owned shop.
Qualifications • Possess a valid state driver’s license • High school diploma or equivalent education • Strong sales and customer service skills • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Analytical skills When you join the team at your local, independently owned TechNet Professional Service Center, you’ll be working with a shop that takes pride in what they do.
A local shop in your community, backed by the support of a Nationwide network.
That is just part of what sets a TechNet Automotive Service Center apart from the rest.
Come join #TechNetNation!
Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.
Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.
What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.
Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.
Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.
Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.
Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.
Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.
Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.
Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.
Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.
Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.
It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.
Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
Joseph, Missouri 64506 Assignment Duration: 24 months Position Summary: Entry level laboratory role performing various testing such as pH, conductivity, TOC, visual, FTIR, UV/Vis Spectroscopy Key Responsibilities: Complies with GMP standards in all documentation Performs bio-analytical methods (Chemistry lab) for various Bio QC Tests on raw materials, in-process, release or stability samples in compliance with 9CFR, EU and VICH regulatory guidelines, outlines of production and special outlines Will initiate, execute and complete assays as per validated procedures and within quality and compliance guidelines Responsible for timely communication with supervisors to inform them of testing, compliance and/or scheduling issues, adhering to company policies, maintaining a safe work environment through site safety KPIs, living out the Lead principles and following appropriate GMP documentation Qualification & Experience: BS in Chemistry, biology or similar discipline Required Skills: Pipetting, Weighing with analytical balance, Conductivity/pH meter, Solution preparation, Full color vision for visual testing Preferred skills include: UV/Vis Spectrophotometry, IR spectroscopy, TOC analysis, Osmometry, Densitometry, Loss on Drying, Karl Fischer Moisture/Automated titrators Verifying that product quality attributes Implementing changes to the quality system Ensure sound quality decisions are made Identify ways to provide quality control and quality assurance through the inspection and reporting process Ensure accuracy and completeness of quality review Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies.
Established in 2004, SPECTRAFORCE® is one of the largest and fastest-growing diversity-owned staffing firms in the US.
The growth of our company is a direct result of our global client service delivery model that is powered by our state-of-the-art A.I.
proprietary talent acquisition platform, robust ISO 9001:2015/ISO 27001 certified processes, and strong and passionate client engaged teams.
We have built our business by providing talent and project-based solutions, including Contingent, Permanent, and Statement of Work (SOW) services to over 140 clients in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and India.
Key industries that we service include Technology, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Telecom, Retail, Utilities and Transportation.
SPECTRAFORCE is built on a concept of “human connection,” defined by our branding attitude of NEWJOBPHORIA®, which is the excitement of bringing joy and freedom to the work lifestyle so our people and clients can reach their highest potential.
Learn more at: Benefits SPECTRAFORCE offers ACA compliant health benefits as well as dental, vision, accident, critical illness, voluntary life, and hospital indemnity insurances to eligible employees.
Additional benefits offered to eligible employees include commuter benefits, 401K plan with employer matching, and a referral bonus program.
SPECTRAFORCE provides unpaid leave as well as paid sick leave when required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer SPECTRAFORCE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Please contact Human Resources at if you require reasonable accommodation.
California Applicant Notice Notice to California Applicants: SPECTRAFORCE is committed to complying with the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) effective January 1, 2023; and all data privacy laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees.
A Notice to California Job Applicants Regarding the Collection of Personal Information can be located on our website.
Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting .
LA County, CA Applicant Notice LA County, CA Applicant Notice: If you are selected for this position with SPECTRAFORCE, your offer is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of several requirements, including but not limited to, a criminal background check.
We consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with all local ordinances and state laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).
The background check assessment will consider whether a criminal history could reasonably have a direct, adverse impact on the job-related safety, security, trust, regulatory compliance, or suitability for this role.
Such findings may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer Adhere to all requirements of established quality systems Ensure awareness of quality issues on the project Perform quality check on manufacturing shop drawings Provide quality inspections on all related items Develop and implement quality systems and procedures Perform quality check on metal fabrication documents Assist in quality audits and perform corrective actions Maintain high standards for quality work and responsiveness Assist in coordinating external vendor and subcontractor quality audits Take the initiative to improve the quality of operations and to improve and maintain a quality culture with a goal of consistency Take the initiative to improve the quality of operations and to improve and maintain a quality culture Conducting and forming corrective action plans for internal quality audits, customer quality audits and regulatory inspections Assist quality, engineering and production personnel with investigations of part defects or any quality related issues Review quality data and make proposals for continuous improvement
