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. 

• Level 1: Base pay $24.50 Plus shift differential and overtime 
• Level 2: Estimated base pay $24.04 - $31.25 Plus shift differential and overtime                                          

All Levels are eligible for the benefits below:

• 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 Machining and are looking to join a great organization, we have an exciting opportunity for you!  Woodward in Loves Park, IL is hiring for a 2nd shift (M-Th 3:24pm-1:54am) Operations Technician to support our Machine Operations at our Loves Park Campus. 

Mandatory training for the first 2 weeks: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3: May take place on 1st shift, M-F 7am-3:30pm or on normal 2nd shift schedule

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation:
  -Performs basic Set up and operates multiple CNC or Manual (Lathes/Milling/Swiss/Grinding-OD/ID) machines, and other machinery to produce precision metal parts according to specifications.
  -Performs supporting operations (ex. manual material removal, sub-assembly, etc.) while following established procedures.
  -Performs 1st piece inspections and may be required to train in these processes.
• Process Adherence: Follows detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy. Ability to interpret engineering blueprints and basic GD&T knowledge.
• Quality Control: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).
• Organization & Cleanliness: Proactively applies 5S principles, identifies opportunities to improve workstation organization and cleanliness, and ensures compliance with team standards. Assists in implementing new organizational practices as directed.
• Safety Mindset: Encourages adherence to safety protocols within the team

Key Skills:

• Technical Operation: Skilled in operating multiple CNC or Manual machining equipment such as Lathes, Mills, Swiss, and OD/ID Grinders. Proficient in supporting operations.
• Critical Thinking: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Analyzes problems, proposes solutions, and implements corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Solid understanding of mechanical systems and components. Ability to use inspection gaging and hand/power tools.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Drives to maintain efficiency standards.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participates in continuous improvement activities. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements.
• Production Systems: Understands and adheres standardized work and escalates when it cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals.

Additional Information: 

Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, or bending; and lifting or moving objects. Work is performed in an area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations. 

Successful Candidates Typically Have: 

Level I:  

• Basic Mechanical aptitude
• Basic computer skills (email, data entry, etc.)
• 2+ years of machining experience
• Knowledge and ability to read and interpret blueprints

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.