Operations Specialist - Prototype Machining (1st shift, 5x8)

Woodward, Inc.•Fort Collins, CO

32d•$31 - $57•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 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. Estimated annual base pay: Level 2: $31.25(minimum) - $40.38(midpoint) - $50.00(maximum)/ Level 3: $35.58(minimum) - $46.15(midpoint) - $56.73(maximum). Plus, overtime. This position is on 1st shift – Monday to Friday, 5X8 schedule. 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

Advanced understanding of complex manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision assembly, or test equipment).
Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality standards.
Utilizes advanced blueprint and GD&T understanding to suggest improvements to engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
Expertise in applying analytical methodologies to operational processes.
Experience with process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).
Supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Utilize advanced understanding of manufacturing processes (mechanical disassembly/reassembly, CNC machine operations, testing) to support and mentor operations members.
Advanced skill with mechanical tools and measurement instruments and mechanical components.
Understanding how tooling impacts repeatability, precision, and cycle time.
Advanced knowledge of mechanical techniques and processes.
Communicates actively with all key stakeholders to support workflow and drive resolution to immediate issues.
Clearly conveys (verbal and written) advanced technical information and ideas effectively across teams and departments throughout the organization.
Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values
Prioritizes tasks effectively to meet deadlines and manage workload efficiently.
Manages multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with objectives.
Identifies opportunities to enhance operational workflows and implements effective solutions.
Participation in improvement projects to solve complex manufacturing issues.
Ability to quantify impact (e.g., cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvements).
Advanced knowledge in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and production software and tools to aid in analysis of problems.
Advanced ability to use basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.
Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Ability to review and maintain BOMs.
Improve work instructions and process documentation with a high level of accuracy.
Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings and ensuring alignment with production specs.
Proactively Identifies and corrects minor deviations before they escalate into major issues.
Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow.
Works well with others and accepts feedback.
Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals.
Facilitates team discussions.
Expert level understanding of complex manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision assembly, or test equipment).
Utilizes expert level blueprint and GD&T understanding to aid in design of engineering drawings, new development, BOMs, and specifications.
Capability to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives to completion.
Utilize expert understanding of manufacturing processes (mechanical disassembly/reassembly, CNC machine operations, testing) to support and mentor operations members.
Designs improvements to mechanical techniques and processes.
Leads effective communication with all levels to support workflow and influences decision making.
Champions Woodward's Core Values
Strategic deployment of Lean methodologies to align with organizational goals.
Expert level in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and production software and tools to aid in analysis of complex problems.
Design and create complex work instructions and process documentation with a high level of accuracy.
Advanced knowledge of engineering drawings and creating alignment with production specs.
Design and eliminates potential deviations using industry standard tools ie. DFMEA before they escalate into major issues.
Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.
Leads cross-departmental initiatives and problem-solving events.

Nice To Haves

Experience in prototype machining, low-volume production, or development manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
CNC programming experience, preferably with ESPRIT, MasterCAM, or similar programming software strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of fixturing, tooling, work holding, raw materials, and inspection equipment.
Experience making production parts and supporting machining process improvements.
Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.
Experience supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions in a machining environment.
Experience using ERP systems such as WISE, SAP, or similar production systems.

Responsibilities

Implements and maintains technical procedures to ensure efficient daily operations in multiple areas/processes.
Determines and applies appropriate approaches for new assignments and enhances existing methodologies to improve effectiveness.
Timely disposition and complex root cause analysis for production problems. Implements corrective actions across similar processes to prevent recurrence.
Utilizes a common systematic approach in problem solving to provide solutions for atypical or infrequent operational problems based on established guidelines.
Adheres to, actively supports, and implements improvements to established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements; maintains mindfulness of self and surrounding work area to promote a safe working environment.
Champions standardized work and provides timely support to production escalations.
Actively participates in the daily management system.

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