Industrial Engineer

Woodward, Inc.•Rockford, IL

6d•$77,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.

Requirements

4 Year Bachelors BS degree
4+ years equivalent experience
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).

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
Productivity Improvements: Contribute to process improvements by identifying small inefficiencies and proposing solutions. Collaborate with team members to refine workflows and implement basic productivity tools.
Data Analysis: Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks using tools like Pareto charts and process control charts.
Workstation Design: Design workstations that improve operator efficiency and reduce fatigue, using ergonomic principles.
Lean Manufacturing: Implement Lean tools, such as Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping, for localized process improvements.
Design for Manufacturability & Assembly: 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.
Layout Planning: 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.
Mentorship: Share foundational knowledge with peers and newer hires. Collaborate with others to support mutual learning and contribute to a positive team environment.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking : Analyze production problems using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify root causes.
Knowledge of APQP Tools and Systems: 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.
Communication and Collaboration Skills: Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align goals and share updates on manufacturing improvements.
Productivity 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.
Data Analysis: Use data to drive process improvements by identifying root causes of issues and recommending actionable changes to enhance efficiency.
Workstation Design: Optimize workstation layouts by balancing ergonomic concerns with process flow and throughput requirements.
Lean Manufacturing: Lead Lean initiatives within a department, addressing inefficiencies and improving flow using advanced techniques.
Design for Manufacturability & Assembly: 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.
Layout Planning: 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.
Mentorship: 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.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking : Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
Knowledge of APQP Tools and Systems: 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.
Communication and Collaboration Skills: Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments

Responsibilities

Developing Work Measurement Systems and Standards: Conduct simple time studies and identify inefficiencies in workflows and task execution.
Analyzing Production Material Flow : Analyze material flow efficiency and identify bottlenecks or delays that impact production timelines.
Conducting Cost Analysis and Optimization: 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.
Planning Capacity and Optimizing Resources : Perform basic calculations to identify constraints and resource needs for specific tasks or projects.
Project Support and Leadership: Manage small-scale manufacturing projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met under supervision.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Woodward Business System (WBS) team and other parts of the organization to identify continuous improvement opportunities
Developing Work Measurement Systems and Standards: Develop standard procedures for work measurement and train employees to implement them effectively.
Analyzing Production Material Flow : Map material flow across product lines, identify sources of waste, and implement targeted improvements.
Conducting Cost Analysis and Optimization: Develop cost models to identify high-cost operations, compare alternatives, inventory analysis, and recommend process improvements to reduce waste, and optimize asset utilization.
Planning Capacity and Optimizing Resources : Use capacity planning tools to allocate resources effectively and reduce bottlenecks. Forecast resource demands and adjust workflows to improve efficiency.
Project Support and Leadership: Lead medium-sized manufacturing projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Woodward Business System (WBS) team and other parts of the organization to identify continuous improvement opportunities

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