Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Woodward L'Orange•Rockford, IL

About The Position

Woodward is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead people and support product development and manufacturing engineering through continuous improvement, strong design standards, and effective resource management. The role focuses on improving product development velocity, fostering a robust design culture, and aligning technical direction with business and profitability objectives. The manager works closely with teams where work is performed, coaches and develops staff, and uses lessons learned to improve future designs. The position requires use of information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by those regulations or eligible to obtain required authorizations. Woodward is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Strong leadership and people-management skills, including the ability to coach, mentor, empower, and foster collaboration.
Ability to adapt to changing environments, maintain a customer-focused mindset, and learn quickly.
Technical proficiency with CAD and CAE systems, design evaluation matrices, DFMEA, GD&T, configuration management, ECR management, and test methods.
Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma, lean product development, waste elimination, and structured problem-solving methods.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong understanding of the product life cycle, its key deliverables, and incorporating lessons learned into future designs.
Ability to align technical direction with corporate strategic goals and drive progress.
Strong risk identification, analysis, and mitigation skills to support robust product designs.
Skill in creating training programs and maintaining training matrices to develop staff capabilities.
Understanding of financial analysis tools and ability to manage budgets effectively.
Applicants must be U.S. Persons under ITAR/EAR or eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Other Qualifications: Aken - Certified Technician/ Bachelor

Responsibilities

Implement and support systemic and process improvements to enhance product development velocity, strengthen design culture, and drive measurable progress.
Engage with teams where work is performed, listen to their needs, and provide effective support.
Coach, mentor, and provide feedback to staff; develop a skilled and adaptable team using talent management systems, training matrices, and performance reviews.
Create, maintain, and improve design standards to support high-quality, compliant products and apply lessons learned to future designs.
Develop and manage budgets in alignment with profit planning, assign resources to meet business needs, and support company profitability objectives.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members.
401(k) match (4.5%).
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%).
Tuition reimbursement and training/professional development opportunities.
12 paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire.
Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, and bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption assistance.
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D and Long Term Disability.
Member Optional Life.
Member referral bonus.
Spouse/Child Optional Life and Optional AD&D.
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending.
Voluntary benefits including home/auto insurance discounts, whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.