Staff Manufacturing Engineer
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
- Manufacturing process ownership across multiple production lines or value streams
- Data analysis, statistical process control, and process capability methods
- Lean manufacturing tools, including standard work, flow, Kanban, JIT, visual management, and waste reduction
- Cost analysis and optimization across labor, material, overhead, scrap, inventory, and machine utilization
- Design for Manufacturability and Assembly review across products, processes, and equipment needs
- APQP tools and systems, including risk assessment, control plans, tooling, fixturing, and critical process parameter monitoring
- Equipment selection, troubleshooting, performance improvement, and maintenance strategy alignment
- Project leadership, stakeholder communication, and cross-functional coordination
- Root cause analysis, critical thinking, and sustainable corrective action
- Coaching, mentoring, and technical capability building
- Demonstrated experience implementing machining automation systems, including robotics, machine tending, tool life monitoring, part presentation, and supporting equipment
- Knowledge of automation readiness criteria and how to determine when a process is ready to automate
- Experience with equipment validation, runoff, acceptance criteria, process prove-out, and production release requirements
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a sustaining environment
- Experience working with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, operations, and operators to implement production solutions
- Familiarity with digital production documentation systems and manufacturing data systems
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical owner for machining automation in a sustaining environment, including robotics, machine tending, tool life monitoring, part presentation, and related technologies.
- Evaluate automation readiness by confirming process stability, capability, tooling reliability, part presentation, and operator interaction before automation is implemented.
- Define technical requirements for automation and manufacturing projects, including scope, assumptions, risks, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and success measures.
- Partner with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, operations, manufacturing engineering, and operators to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.
- Own manufacturing processes within a value stream, ensuring workflows are scalable, repeatable, documented, and adaptable to production and customer requirements.
- Lead process capability and productivity improvement efforts using data analysis, SPC, simulation tools, Lean methods, and production feedback to reduce variation and improve performance.
- Mentor engineers and technical team members in process ownership, automation readiness, troubleshooting, and structured problem solving.
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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
