Operations Specialist - Mill Turn Programming (1st Shift)

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay : $35.58 (minimum) - $46.15 (midpoint) - $56.73 (maximum)

All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement and Training / Professional Development opportunities for all members

12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.

Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire

Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.

Paid parental leave.

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.

Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life

Member referral bonus

Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending

Voluntary benefits, including :

Home / Auto Insurance discounts

Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Are you ready to make your mark?! If you have experience in manufacturing and are looking to join a great organization, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Woodward in Loves Park, IL is hiring for a 1st shift, M-F Operations Specialist to support ournew programming on our Okuma Multus platform for various NPI initiatives, at our Rock Cut Campus . If you are an experienced machine operator or are looking to advance your manufacturing skills, apply now!

Key Responsibilities :

Technical Management : Applies specialized expertise to execute and oversee complex operational processes and mentor others.

Continuous Improvement : Develops and integrates pioneering methodologies and transformative strategies to radically elevate and redefine existing manufacturing processes.

Quality : Timely disposition and applies complex root cause analysis for production problems. Designs and Implements innovative corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Resolve Complex Issues : Facilitates a cross function team with a systematic approach in problem solving to provide solutions for atypical or infrequent operational problems based on established guidelines.

Safety Mindset : Designs and implements improvements to established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements; maintains mindfulness of self and surrounding work area to promote a safe working environment.

Key Skills :

Technical Knowledge : Expert level understanding of complex manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision assembly, or test equipment). Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality standards. Utilzes expert level blueprint and GD&T understanding to aid in design of engineering drawings, new development, BOMs, and specifications.

Analytical Skills : Expertise in applying analytical methodologies to operational processes. Experience with process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams). Capability to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives to completion.

Mechanical Aptitude : Utilize expert understanding of manufacturing processes (mechanical disassembly / reassembly, CNC machine operations, testing) to support and mentor operations members. Advanced skill with mechanical tools and measurement instruments and mechanical components. Understanding how tooling impacts repeatability, precision, and cycle time. Designs improvements to mechanical techniques and processes.

Communication : Leads effective communication with all levels to support workflow and influences decision making. Clearly conveys (verbal and written) advanced technical information and ideas effectively across teams and departments throughout the organization. Champions Woodward's Core Values

Time Management : Prioritizes tasks effectively to meet deadlines and manage workload efficiently. Manages multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with objectives.

Lean Mindset : Identifies opportunities to enhance operational workflows and implements effective solutions. Participates and may lead improvement projects to solve complex manufacturing issues. Strategic deployment of Lean methodologies to align with organizational goals. Ability to quantify impact (e.g., cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvements) and drive project execution.

Production Systems : Champions standardized work and provides timely support to production escalations. Actively participates the daily management system. Expert level in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and production software's and tools to aid in analysis of complex problems.

Computer Skills : Advanced ability to use basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Advanced proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Detail-Oriented : Ability to review and maintain BOMs. Design and create complex work instructions, and process documentation with a high level of accuracy.

Advanced knowledge of engineering drawings and creating alignment with production specs. Design and eliminates potential deviations using industry standard tools ie. DFMEA before they escalate into major issues.

Collaboration : Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with others and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture. Leads cross-departmental initiatives and problem solving events.

Successful candidates typically have :

Experience running a 5-axis mill / turn machine

Advanced machine troubleshooting skills

Experience using Esprit CAM software

Ability to read and interpret G & M code

Advanced tooling knowledge

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and / or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and / or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.