Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Woodward L'Orange•Fort Collins, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Supporting Woodward’s Industrial division in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Staff Manufacturing Engineer will play a key leadership role in driving efficiency, scalability, and quality across multiple production lines. This position is responsible for overseeing production support, managing manufacturing processes, and leading cross-functional initiatives to ensure operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and advanced analytics, with a focus on improving productivity and reducing waste.

Requirements

4 Year Bachelors BS OR 10+ years equivalent experience
Expertise in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and advanced analytics
Knowledge of APQP Tools and Systems
Must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of 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.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in grinding precision and throughput
Experience with statistical process control (SPC)
Experience with Kanban and JIT
Experience with Design for Manufacturability & Assembly (DFMA)

Responsibilities

Oversee production support across multiple lines, standardizing troubleshooting procedures and implementing system-level improvements.
Manage hardware disposition processes to minimize waste and ensure adherence to quality standards.
Manage multiple manufacturing processes, focusing on creating and maintaining scalable workflows that optimize efficiency across a value stream.
Ensure processes remain adaptable to production changes and customer demands.
Oversee process capability programs across multiple lines, using advanced analytics and simulation tools to improve efficiency and scalability.
Manage production documentation for multiple lines, ensuring consistency, compliance, and accessibility.
Fully integrate digital documentation systems to support collaboration across teams and improve efficiency.
Oversee cross-functional manufacturing projects within a value stream, oversee complex timelines, budgets, and deliverables
Design and implement workflows, fixtures, and setups to improve grinding precision and throughput.
Lead initiatives to reduce cycle times, improve surface finishes, and achieve tight tolerances.
Collaborate with machinists, operators, and quality teams to troubleshoot grinding-related issues and implement corrective actions.
Work closely with product design engineers to ensure manufacturability and improve designs for grinding-specific requirements.
Stay updated on advancements in grinding technologies, materials, and industry trends to recommend new solutions.
Oversees process improvement initiatives across multiple production areas, ensuring consistency and optimizing operations.
Utilizes advanced methodologies like statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis to drive sustainable efficiency gains.
Develop data-driven models to optimize manufacturing processes, improve resource allocation, and reduce variability within a value stream.
Optimize manufacturing processes by balancing labor, material, and overhead costs within value streams.
Use cost analysis tools to maximize machine uptime, reduce scrap rates, inventory analysis, and improve operational efficiency.
Drive Lean transformations within a value stream, integrating tools such as Kanban and JIT to optimize production.
Manage DFMA reviews across multiple projects or product lines, ensuring alignment between design, manufacturing, and assembly processes.
Develop standards and guidelines for DFMA implementation and drive process improvements to reduce production complexity.
Oversees equipment selection and troubleshooting strategies for multiple production lines, ensuring alignment with project timelines and operational goals.
Advocates for new equipment at a site level.
Develops plant-wide standards for optimizing equipment performance and maintenance practices.
Serve as a mentor to junior engineers, focusing on technical development and career growth.
Lead by example through accountability and leadership.
Lead cross-functional teams to resolve systemic issues within a value stream and implement sustainable solutions.
Oversees APQP-driven process control initiatives, ensuring tooling/fixturing designs and process capability improvements are standardized across production lines.
Develops systems to monitor critical process parameters.
Lead communication efforts within a value stream, ensuring alignment and transparency in decision-making processes.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities
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