Operations Technician II/III - Studer Grinder, 2nd Shift

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 members’ 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.  

• Level 2: Estimated hourly base pay: $23.50 Plus shift premium & overtime
• Level 3: Estimated hourly base pay: $24.04 - $31.25 Plus shift premium & overtime

Benefits below pertain to all levels listed  

• 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  

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact? Woodward, a global leader in aerospace innovation, is offering exciting opportunities at our Loves Park Campus on 2nd shift (Monday-Thursday 3:24pm-1:54am & overtime on Fridays) in Loves Park, IL. We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing professional to join a dynamic team that thrives in a challenging and rewarding environment. Explore your potential and contribute to cutting-edge advancements with one of the world’s foremost aerospace companies. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary! 

Mandatory training for first 2 weeks: Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3: Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm

Level 2:   

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations: Follows documented procedures, solves problems with known outcomes to meet standards, supports training of other members, and provides improvement opportunities to standard work. Flexes and supports the full product line in various processes/ capacities.
• Process: Maintains key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations. Accurately logs daily operations and resolves or escalates concerns. Follows standard operating procedures. Supports training of other members. Provides improvement opportunities to standard work.
• Quality Control: Participates to improve clarity and accuracy in documented processes and procedures.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Proactively applies 5S principles, identifies opportunities to improve workstation organization and cleanliness, and ensures compliance with team standards. Assists in implementing new organizational practices as directed.
• Safety Mindset: Encourages adherence to safety protocols within the team.

Key Skills:

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Troubleshoots routine technical product issues.
• Problem Resolution: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Analyzes problems, proposes solutions, and implements corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates understanding of mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and equipment safely and effectively. Can produce products and setup equipment to support varying processes.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Drives to maintain efficiency standards.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participates in continuous improvement activities. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements.
• Production Systems: Understands and adheres to standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates in the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals.

Level 3:

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations: Follows documented procedures, solves problems with unknown solutions, supports training of other members, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots challenges, and ensures adherence to production standards. Flexes and supports the full product line in various processes/ capacities.
• Process: Maintains key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations. Accurately logs daily operations and resolves or escalates concerns. Follows documented procedures, solves problems with unknown solutions, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots special process challenges, and ensures adherence to standards.
• Quality Control: Champions clarity and accuracy in documented processes and procedures, and collaborates with cross-functional teams.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Champions 5S principles, develops and refines 5S practices, and ensures consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborates with front line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.
• Safety Mindset: Serves as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partners to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Key Skills:

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Supports technical process development. Troubleshoots complex technical product issues based on engineering/ technical documentation. Leads complex technical tasks and mentors others.
• Troubleshooting: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during assembly and testing processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively identifies solutions.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates understanding of mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and equipment safely and effectively. Can produce products and setup equipment to support varying processes. Mentors others in best practices.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Champions Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognizes potential impact to efficiency and collaborates with appropriate member to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a culture of continuous improvement.
• Production Systems: Understands and adheres standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Leverages specialized software where applicable.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.

Additional Information: 

Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, or bending; and lifting or moving objects. Work is performed in an area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations. 

Successful Candidates Typically Have:

• 2+ years experience with Studer OD Grinders
• Previous experience working with inspection equipment
• Knowledge of GD&T & Blueprint reading
• Effective time management and organizational abilities
• Problem-solving mindset with critical thinking skills
• Willingness to embrace change and adapt to new environments
• Keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.