Machinist III - Jig Bore (1st Shift)

Woodward L'Orange•Rockford, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Woodward is hiring a Machinist III to support jig bore machines at its Loves Park Campus. The role machines aerospace parts and components in a manufacturing environment and is intended for an experienced manual machinist who prioritizes precision, quality, and workmanship. The position operates on first shift, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime as needed during the work week and/or on Saturdays. Mandatory training during the first two weeks and training starting in week three follow the same Monday-through-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule. The Machinist III performs complex setups and operates multiple CNC or manual machines and other machinery to produce precision metal parts to specification. The role also performs supporting operations, conducts first-piece inspections, interprets engineering blueprints, uses inspection gauges, records production data, and contributes to quality, safety, lean practices, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

At least 5 years of manual mill experience.
Extensive knowledge of GD&T.
Previous experience performing rework.
Ability to meet the position's ITAR/EAR requirements: be a U.S. Person or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.
May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations.

Responsibilities

Perform complex setups and operate multiple types of CNC or manual machines, including lathes, mills, Swiss machines, and OD/ID grinders, to produce precision metal parts according to specifications.
Perform supporting operations such as manual material removal and sub-assembly while following established procedures.
Perform first-piece inspections and train in these inspection processes.
Follow detailed work instructions and interpret engineering blueprints, applying advanced GD&T knowledge.
Use gauges to inspect finished products and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Record and maintain data according to operating standards and SOPs.
Champion 5S principles, refine 5S practices, and support consistent adherence to standards across the team or department.
Collaborate with front-line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.
Promote safety and accountability within the team and align safety initiatives with organizational goals.
Identify gaps from standards, resolve or escalate them according to established processes, and diagnose complex machining issues.
Anticipate potential machining issues and develop solutions to avoid downtime.
Choose, set up, and use inspection gauges and hand or power tools.
Communicate with team members and supervisors about workflow and immediate issues.
Prioritize assigned work, meet schedules, and collaborate with the Team Lead to address potential efficiency impacts.
Follow lean practices, identify inefficiencies, suggest improvements, and participate in continuous-improvement initiatives.
Champion standardized work, escalate when standards cannot be followed, and participate in the daily management system.
Use basic and specialized software as applicable to complete work.
Collaborate across teams, share knowledge, accept feedback, and support team objectives.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity.
401(k) match of 4.5%.
Annual Woodward stock contribution of 5%.
Tuition reimbursement and training/professional development opportunities.
12 paid holidays, including floating 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, long-term disability, and optional member life insurance.
Member referral bonus.
Optional spouse/child life insurance and optional AD&D.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary benefits including home/auto insurance discounts, whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.