Operations Specialist II or III

Woodward L'Orange • Fort Collins, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Woodward's Industrial Product Division in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking an Operations Specialist to join the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. This role provides hands-on support for automation and advanced manufacturing projects by assisting with technical execution, problem-solving, and process implementation across multiple initiatives and production areas. The Operations Specialist applies manufacturing knowledge, quality standards, and production system understanding to help ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality deployment of new equipment and processes. The application window is anticipated to close 7 days from the original posting date. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. 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). Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and basic exposure to automation systems
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
• Hands on technical aptitude for equipment setup and basic troubleshooting
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes with exposure to automation systems (robotics, PLCs, automated equipment)
• Ability to interpret and provide input on engineering drawings, BOMs, and process documentation
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving and process analysis tools
• Solid hands-on skills for equipment troubleshooting and system support
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with ability to support and guide less experienced team members informally

Responsibilities

• Support Project Execution: Assist with implementation of advanced manufacturing and automation projects, including supporting equipment installation, testing, validation, and production ramp activities. Contribute to assigned project tasks to help transition solutions into production.
• Assist with Process Development & Implementation: Support development and documentation of manufacturing processes, standard work, and technical procedures for new equipment and technologies. Help ensure processes are aligned with engineering requirements.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement: Provide input on process and equipment improvements identified during project activities. Support the application of Lean principles and assist with incorporating lessons learned into future implementations.
• Support Problem Solving Activities: Participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues during equipment build, integration, and early production. Apply structured problem-solving methods with guidance as needed.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work with engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance to support project execution and effective communication. Assist with coordination between teams and handoff to production.
• Assist with Quality & Validation: Support validation activities and documentation efforts. Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues identified during project implementation.
• Promote Safety Integration: Follow established safety requirements and participate in safety reviews and risk assessments. Support safe implementation of new equipment and processes.
• Support Project Execution: Provide experienced support for implementation of advanced manufacturing and automation projects, including assisting with equipment installation, integration, validation, and production ramp. Contribute to planning and execution of project tasks with increased independence.
• Assist with Process Development & Implementation: Support development, refinement, and documentation of manufacturing processes and standard work for new technologies. Provide practical input to improve manufacturability and alignment with production needs.
• Drive Continuous Improvement Contributions: Proactively identify opportunities to improve project execution, equipment performance, and process efficiency. Support the application of Lean principles and help incorporate best practices across projects.
• Support Advanced Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and assist in resolving more complex technical issues during integration and early production phases. Apply structured methodologies with minimal guidance and contribute to identification of root causes and corrective actions.
• Strengthen Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as an experienced contributor within cross-functional teams, helping coordinate activities between engineering, operations, quality, and external partners. Support effective transition of projects into production.
• Support Quality & Validation Activities: Contribute more extensively to validation planning/execution and documentation. Assist in ensuring compliance with quality standards and in implementing corrective actions across similar issues.
• Promote Safety Integration: Actively support safety considerations in equipment and process implementation. Provide input during safety reviews and help reinforce safe practices during project execution.

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, including floating 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed