Operations Technician - 1st Shift

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. We act with integrity, respect, and accountability while maintaining high professional and ethical standards. Together, we design and deliver energy control solutions to power a clean future.

About the Role

Woodward is hiring Operations Technicians to support production lines at our Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park, IL. This role performs manufacturing, assembly, testing, and special process operations using hand and specialty tools, inspection, and measurement equipment to produce quality aerospace parts.

Training hours for the first 2 weeks will be 1st shift, Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm. Starting the 3rd week, training may be on an alternate shift for a few months.

Schedule

1st Shift, with shifts running Monday – Thursday or Monday – Friday.

Responsibilities

Level I

• Operations: Follow documented procedures to accurately and efficiently produce products using specified tools and equipment. Flex and support the full product line in various processes/capacities.
• Process: Observe and record key process variables to ensure consistency and quality. Accurately log daily operations and resolve or escalate concerns. Follow standard operating procedures.
• Quality: Conduct inspections and tests to verify product accuracy and functionality. Record and maintain data per operating standards.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Adhere to 5S principles by keeping workstations clean, organized, and free of unnecessary items. Follow guidelines for proper storage and maintenance of tools, materials, and equipment.
• Safety Mindset: Adhere to all safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Maintain awareness of self and surroundings to promote a safe working environment.

Level II

• Operations: Follow documented procedures, solve problems with known outcomes, support training of other members, and provide improvement opportunities to standard work. Flex and support the full product line in various processes/capacities.
• Process: Maintain key process variables to ensure consistency and quality. Accurately log daily operations, resolve or escalate concerns, and follow standard operating procedures. Support training and provide improvement opportunities.
• Quality Control: Participate in improving clarity and accuracy in documented processes and procedures.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Proactively apply 5S principles, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with team standards. Assist in implementing new organizational practices.
• Safety Mindset: Encourage adherence to safety protocols within the team.

Skills

Level I

• Technical Capability: Understand and follow basic technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Critical Thinking: Identify gaps-to-standard and resolve or escalate them per standard processes/procedures.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrate basic understanding of mechanical systems and components. Use hand tools and basic equipment safely and effectively. Produce products and perform basic equipment setups.
• Team Communication: Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Adhere to Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Effectively manage time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules.
• Lean Mindset: Follow lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Production Systems: Understand and adhere to standardized work and escalate when it cannot be followed. Actively participate in the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Use basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follow instructions precisely and check work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Work cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Accept feedback.

Level II

• Technical Capability: Understand and follow technical instructions and SOPs. Troubleshoot routine technical product issues.
• Problem Resolution: Identify gaps-to-standard, resolve or escalate them, analyze problems, propose solutions, and implement corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems and components. Use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively. Produce products and set up equipment to support varying processes.
• Team Communication: Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Demonstrate Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritize time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Drive to maintain efficiency standards.
• Lean Mindset: Follow lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participate in continuous improvement activities. Identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements.
• Production Systems: Understand and adhere to standardized work and escalate when it cannot be followed. Actively participate in the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Use basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follow instructions precisely and check work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Work cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Share knowledge and support team goals across teams.

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:
  • 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 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 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).

Pay

• Level I: Estimated hourly base pay: $19.50 – $21.00
• Level II: Estimated hourly base pay: $22.00 - $25.00

Benefits

• Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members
• 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