Industrial Engineer

Woodward L'Orange • Rockford, IL

41d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Industrial Engineer Level 2 or 3 (Senior) Woodward’s Aerospace Product Division is seeking an Industrial Engineer for our Loves Park (Illinois) campus. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Industrial Engineer to join our team and contribute to improving efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing workflows in our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess foundational knowledge of work measurement systems, lean manufacturing techniques, and cost analysis, along with a collaborative mindset and a willingness to learn and grow. This role is ideal for someone with a solid understanding of manufacturing principles who is ready to take on small-scale projects and support process improvement initiatives under supervision. Level 2 Estimated annual base pay: $77,000-$105,000 Level 3 Estimated annual base pay: $93,000-$125,000

Requirements

• 4 Year Bachelors BS degree
• 4+ years equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

• Foundational knowledge of work measurement systems, lean manufacturing techniques, and cost analysis
• Collaborative mindset and a willingness to learn and grow
• Solid understanding of manufacturing principles
• Ready to take on small-scale projects and support process improvement initiatives under supervision

Responsibilities

• Develop standard procedures for work measurement and train employees to implement them effectively.
• Map material flow across product lines, identify sources of waste, and implement targeted improvements.
• Develop cost models to identify high-cost operations, compare alternatives, inventory analysis, and recommend process improvements to reduce waste, and optimize asset utilization.
• Use capacity planning tools to allocate resources effectively and reduce bottlenecks. Forecast resource demands and adjust workflows to improve efficiency.
• Lead medium-sized manufacturing projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
• Work closely with the Woodward Business System (WBS) team and other parts of the organization to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Conduct simple time studies and identify inefficiencies in workflows and task execution.
• Analyze material flow efficiency and identify bottlenecks or delays that impact production timelines.
• Analyze manufacturing costs by evaluating material waste, labor efficiency, and equipment utilization. Perform detailed cost-benefit analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings and waste reduction.
• Perform basic calculations to identify constraints and resource needs for specific tasks or projects.
• Manage small-scale manufacturing projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met under supervision.
• Work closely with the Woodward Business System (WBS) team and other parts of the organization to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to process improvements by identifying small inefficiencies and proposing solutions. Collaborate with team members to refine workflows and implement basic productivity tools.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks using tools like Pareto charts and process control charts.
• Design workstations that improve operator efficiency and reduce fatigue, using ergonomic principles.
• Implement Lean tools, such as Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping, for localized process improvements.
• Apply DFMA principles to improve product manufacturability and assembly. Analyze designs for material selection, part count reduction, and ease of assembly, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine designs.
• Begin using CAD tools to make minor layout adjustments and visualize workspace modifications. Identify inefficiencies in material flow, workspace design, and potential safety risks, and collaborate with others to refine layouts and improve space utilization.
• Share foundational knowledge with peers and newer hires. Collaborate with others to support mutual learning and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Analyze production problems using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify root causes.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of APQP tools, including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Packaging Design. Ensure that packaging supports material flow, product protection, and compliance with APQP requirements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align goals and share updates on manufacturing improvements.
• Lead small-scale productivity initiatives to improve specific processes or eliminate bottlenecks. Incorporate takt time considerations into workflow design to ensure production aligns with demand.
• Use data to drive process improvements by identifying root causes of issues and recommending actionable changes to enhance efficiency.
• Optimize workstation layouts by balancing ergonomic concerns with process flow and throughput requirements.
• Lead Lean initiatives within a department, addressing inefficiencies and improving flow using advanced techniques.
• Lead DFMA evaluations for medium-complexity products, identifying opportunities to simplify designs, reduce costs, and optimize assembly processes. Recommend design changes that improve manufacturing efficiency and scalability.
• Lead layout redesign initiatives for specific work areas utilizing CAD tools. Incorporate safety considerations, such as proper equipment spacing, clear emergency access, and ergonomic design, to ensure worker well-being.
• Provide guidance to entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches. Offer constructive feedback to help them grow and develop their skills.
• Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
• Lead the development of APQP deliverables, including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Packaging Design. Ensure packaging solutions are integrated into production processes, align with material handling requirements, and meet regulatory and customer expectations.
• Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments.

Benefits

• 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
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level