Manufacturing Engineer

Woodward L'Orange • Spartanburg, SC

1d

About The Position

Woodward is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead production support, manufacturing process ownership, process improvement, documentation management, and medium-sized manufacturing projects. The role addresses complex production and equipment problems, improves process capability and reliability, and coordinates resources and corrective actions. It also provides guidance to entry-level engineers and interns and presents recommendations to leadership while collaborating across departments.

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. The position is expected to be designated as DOT safety-sensitive in the future; once designated, a DOT/FAA pre-employment drug test will be required before performing safety-sensitive duties.

The posting identifies the position as “Sr Manufacturing Engineer (Level III)” and notes that a preferred candidate has been identified. Estimated annual base pay is $95,000 minimum, $124,000 midpoint, and $152,000 maximum. Salary depends on the applicant’s qualifications and internal and market considerations.

Requirements

• Four-year bachelor’s degree (BS) or 10 or more years of equivalent experience.
• Applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations.
• Ability to lead manufacturing process, production-support, and improvement work, including analysis of complex production challenges.
• Knowledge of process improvement methods and tools, including Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, simulation, Lean, process mapping, and root-cause analysis.
• Ability to analyze operational data and costs and recommend actionable process and asset-utilization improvements.
• Ability to lead APQP deliverables and review process quality and performance data.
• Ability to specify equipment, tooling, and gaging and coordinate with vendors.
• Ability to communicate recommendations to leadership and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting of complex process issues, identify root causes, and recommend workflow improvements.
• Oversee hardware disposition, analyze recurring hardware defects, and implement corrective actions.
• Create, standardize, maintain, and monitor manufacturing processes for assigned areas.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using techniques such as Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, and simulation tools to improve capability and reduce variation.
• Standardize and improve production documentation, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and accessibility; implement digital documentation systems where applicable.
• Lead medium-sized manufacturing projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
• Lead productivity and Lean improvement initiatives to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve reliability and flow.
• Use data analysis, process mapping, and root-cause analysis to identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Develop cost models, compare alternatives, analyze inventory, and recommend ways to reduce waste and optimize asset utilization.
• Lead DFMA evaluations for medium-complexity products and recommend design changes to simplify designs, reduce costs, and improve manufacturing efficiency and scalability.
• Specify equipment, tooling, and gaging; create detailed RFPs and RFQs; and incorporate equipment needs into value stream or site capital plans.
• Lead troubleshooting of recurring equipment problems, coordinate solutions with vendors, and oversee preventive maintenance schedules for critical systems.
• Mentor entry-level engineers and interns by providing project guidance and constructive feedback.
• Lead implementation of APQP deliverables for medium-complexity projects, optimize tooling and fixturing designs, and review process data against quality and performance standards.
• Present ideas and recommendations to leadership and facilitate cross-department collaboration.

Benefits

• Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members.
• 401(k) match of 4.5%.
• Annual Woodward stock contribution of 5%.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire.
• Vacation and 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 and AD&D insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Optional member life insurance.
• Member referral bonus.
• Optional spouse and child life insurance and optional AD&D.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary home and auto insurance discounts.
• Voluntary whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.

What This Job Offers

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