Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Woodward, Inc. • Fort Collins, CO

1d • 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. 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

• 4 Year Bachelors BS OR 10+ years equivalent experience
• 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 Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and advanced analytics
• Knowledge of APQP Tools and Systems

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

What This Job Offers

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