Full-Time

Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Director

Multiple Teams

Posted on 8/14/2025

Woodward Governor

Woodward Governor

1,001-5,000 employees

Energy control solutions for aerospace.

Compensation Overview

$184k - $276k/yr

+ Bonus

No H1B Sponsorship

Morton Grove, IL, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Requirements
  • Technical/Vocational Degree
  • Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS)
  • Increasing level of responsibility within a product development engineering organization
  • Experience of leading a comprehensive engineering organization
  • DO-178 DAL A or MIL-STD-882
  • Champions training required within 1 year
  • Six Sigma - Certification
Responsibilities
  • Leads the establishment of a strong design culture and directs systemic improvements to achieve high-quality, compliant products.
  • Ensures the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of design standards while overseeing assigned phases of engineering, including technology, platform, system, product, and production design.
  • Provides strategic direction, technical proposals, and support for systems, products, or services, and acts as the senior engineering management contact for projects, vendors, and customers.
  • Manages and mentors a large engineering team, fostering career development, and ensures alignment with organizational goals and development processes.
  • Oversees strategic planning for products, processes, and infrastructure, while managing capital, budgets, and goal flow from corporate to organizational levels.
  • Represents the company at trade shows, conferences, and external events to evaluate and implement innovative methods to enhance competitiveness.
  • Participates in cross-functional collaboration, leveraging internal assets, and may contribute to company-wide councils or activities.
  • Demonstrates expertise in Design for Six Sigma, lean product development, and waste elimination, with a strong focus on innovation and breakthrough solutions.
  • Possesses refined leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing key stakeholders and aligning teams to achieve results.
  • Brings deep technical knowledge, financial management skills, and market understanding, with expertise in systems, PLC processes, and Woodward business systems.
Desired Qualifications
  • Greenbelt or Black belt experience preferred

Woodward Governor designs, manufactures, and services energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial equipment. Its products include control systems, valves, actuators, and related hardware that manage how energy is converted and used in propulsion and power systems, enabling engines and turbines to run efficiently and safely. The company delivers these solutions through design, manufacturing, and ongoing service, ensuring reliability across complex machinery. It differentiates itself through being a global leader with end-to-end capability—covering development, production, and after-sales support at scale—and by focusing on helping customers decarbonize and power a cleaner future. Its goal is to provide energy control solutions that customers can depend on to enable a cleaner, decarbonized world.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Hamburg, Germany

Founded

1870

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Aerospace sales surged 25% to $703M in Q2 2026 on commercial services.
  • Raised FY2026 guidance projects 20-23% sales growth and $9.15-$9.45 EPS.
  • Year-to-date free cash flow hit $109M, up 80%, fueling repurchases.

What critics are saying

  • Stan Druckenmiller's Duquesne cut stake 6% in Q4 2025 on valuation fears.
  • Industrial reserve for product claim erodes 17% segment margins in Q2 2026.
  • Geopolitical tensions slash China on-highway sales to minimal in Q4 2026.

What makes Woodward Governor unique

  • Woodward leads in fuel controls, actuators for CFM LEAP engines.
  • Elite LRSF network with Lufthansa Technik and AFI KLM expands MRO globally.
  • Multi-year AAR distribution deal accelerates consumables delivery for airlines.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Hybrid Work Options

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Performance Bonus

Adoption Assistance

Childcare Support

Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits

Professional Development Budget

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Home Office Stipend

Phone/Internet Stipend

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Apr 8th, 2026
Billionaire Stan Druckenmiller cuts Woodward stake by 6% after previous increases

Billionaire Stan Druckenmiller's Duquesne Capital has trimmed its stake in Woodward Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD), reducing holdings by 6% to 590,000 shares in the fourth quarter of 2025. The fund first disclosed a position in the aerospace and energy controls manufacturer in Q4 2023 with over 400,000 shares, which it increased significantly through Q4 2024 before the recent reduction. Institutional investors remain bullish on Woodward's prospects, driven by its aerospace segment, which posted 29% revenue growth in Q1 2026. The company's commercial services jumped 50% year-over-year, benefiting from aging airline fleets requiring high-margin maintenance. Woodward's defence OEM sales also rose 23% in early 2026, supported by increased global military spending. Hedge funds view the company as positioned to capitalise on both aerospace recovery and energy infrastructure shifts.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 1st, 2026
Woodward shares down 11.7% in 30 days despite 88% annual gain — DCF model suggests 12.4% overvaluation

Woodward's shares have declined 5.6% over the past week and 11.7% over the past month, despite posting a 9.9% return year-to-date and 88% gain over the past year. The stock has delivered strong longer-term returns of 252.8% over three years and 185.5% over five years. A discounted cash flow analysis suggests Woodward may be overvalued at its recent price of $341.52 per share. The DCF model estimates an intrinsic value of $303.96 per share, implying the stock is trading approximately 12.4% above fair value. The model uses a two-stage free cash flow to equity approach, starting with the latest twelve-month free cash flow of $430.8 million and projecting forward to 2035. Woodward currently scores 2 out of 6 on valuation checks.

Yahoo Finance
Mar 11th, 2026
Woodward stock surges 60.8% in six months on strong revenue growth and rising profitability

Woodward, which designs and manufactures energy control products, has seen its stock price surge 60.8% over the past six months to $385.99 per share, driven by solid quarterly results. The company has demonstrated strong fundamentals over the long term. Revenue grew at a 10.4% compound annual growth rate over the past five years, outpacing the average industrials company. Operating margin improved by 4.3 percentage points during this period, reaching 14.5% over the trailing 12 months. Earnings per share growth has been particularly impressive, rising at a 17.4% compound annual rate over five years, exceeding revenue growth and indicating improved profitability. The stock currently trades at 43.6 times forward price-to-earnings ratio.

GlobeNewswire
Mar 9th, 2026
Woodward Announces Agreement to Acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing

Woodward announces agreement to acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing. March 09, 2026 05:55 ET | Source: Woodward, Inc. ~Acquisition Will Complement Woodward's Aerospace Controls Portfolio~ FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ: WWD) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jet Research Development, Inc., doing business as Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precision flow control valves for aerospace applications. The acquisition adds precision electromagnetic valve solutions, including solenoid valves, check valves, and relief valves, to Woodward's comprehensive aerospace controls capabilities. It also enables new growth opportunities across commercial and defense aerospace OEM applications, including Next Generation Single Aisle (NSA) programs. Solenoid technology for precision flow control plays a vital role in both current and future defense and commercial aircraft programs. VRM's approximately 130 employees bring deep expertise in precision flow control technologies, which complement Woodward's world-class engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities in fuel and motion control systems. VRM's solutions are trusted by leading aerospace OEMs and applied across major commercial and defense aircraft programs. "This acquisition is another example of how we are adding critical enablers to best serve our customers and grow our business," said Shawn McLevige, President of Woodward's Aerospace segment. "In the near term, it provides opportunities to optimize our supply chain and enhance our ability to deliver on robust market demand for our controls solutions. Over the long term, it supports our growth strategy with aerospace OEMs and end users, including increased content on next-generation aircraft. VRM's foundation in innovation and commitment to engineering and product excellence make it an excellent fit for our aerospace business." "After more than 50 years as a family-owned business, we were thoughtful about choosing the right partner for Valve Research's next chapter," said Patricia Kilgallon, President of Valve Research. "We've worked with Woodward for decades and know the caliber of their organization. Their reputation for taking care of their people and their commitment to engineering excellence made them the right choice for our team, our customers, and the legacy my father, Paul L. Cruz, created." The transaction includes the acquisition of all outstanding shares of VRM, its manufacturing assets, and associated real estate. VRM will continue operating without interruption, and customer contracts and supplier relationships will remain unchanged. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. About Woodward Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Our purpose is to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion, and motion control systems perform in some of the world's harshest environments. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com. About Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM) Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM) is a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precision flow control valves, including check valves, relief valves, and solenoids for aerospace applications. Founded in 1974 in a 900-square-foot warehouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, VRM was built by Paul L. Cruz, who applied his mechanical engineering talent and entrepreneurial spirit to grow the company into a valued supplier to the aerospace industry over the past 50 years. VRM is recognized for its engineering expertise and long-standing relationships with leading aerospace OEMs. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to statements that relate to Woodward's agreement to acquire VRM, the expected timing of closing, anticipated strategic and operational benefits of the transaction, and plans for continued operations and customer/supplier continuity at VRM following the closing. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: (1) the risk that the transaction may not close in the anticipated timeframe or at all; (2) the failure to satisfy closing conditions; (3) unexpected costs, delays, or other issues arising in connection with the transaction; (4) potential business disruption during the pendency of the transaction and subsequent integration, including impacts to relationships with customers or suppliers; (5) the risk that the integration of VRM into Woodward will be materially delayed, less successful, or more costly or difficult than expected; (6) the risk that the anticipated benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized; and other risk factors and risks described in Woodward's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as other risks described in Woodward's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and Woodward assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by applicable law. | CONTACT: | Dan Provaznik Director, Investor Relations 970-498-3849 [email protected] | | / | Jennifer Regina Vice President, Communications 970-559-8840 | | / | / |

Yahoo Finance
Mar 9th, 2026
Woodward Announces Agreement to Acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing

Woodward Announces Agreement to Acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing Company Woodward to Acquire Florida-based Valve Research & Manufacturing ~Acquisition Will Complement Woodward’s Aerospace Controls Portfolio~ FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ: WWD) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jet Research Development, Inc., doing business as Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precisio

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