Operations Technician (A&T - 2nd shift)

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members act with integrity, respect, accountability, humility, and drive while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. Together, we design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

About the role

Woodward in Loves Park, IL is hiring for an AWS 2nd shift (M-Th 3:25pm-1:55am) Operations Technician to support our FMU Line doing Assembly & Rework Operations at our Rock Cut Campus. This individual will manufacture aerospace parts and components. Mandatory training for the first 2 weeks is Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm; training starting week 3 follows the regular shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operations: Follow documented procedures, solve problems with unknown solutions, support training of other members, lead complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure adherence to production standards. Flex and support the full product line in various processes/capacities.
• Process: Maintain key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations. Accurately log daily operations and resolve or escalate concerns. Follow documented procedures, solve problems with unknown solutions, lead complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoot special process challenges, and ensure adherence to standards.
• Quality Control: Champion clarity and accuracy in documented processes and procedures, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Champion 5S principles, develop and refine 5S practices, and ensure consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborate with front-line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.
• Safety Mindset: Serve as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partner to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Skills

• Technical Capability: Understand and follow technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Support technical process development. Troubleshoot complex technical product issues based on engineering/technical documentation. Lead complex technical tasks and mentor others.
• Troubleshooting: Identify gap-to-standard and resolve or escalate per standard processes/procedures. Diagnose and resolve complex issues during assembly and testing. Anticipate potential issues and proactively identify solutions.
• 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. Mentor others in best practices.
• Team Communication: Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Champion Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritize time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognize potential impact to efficiency and collaborate to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follow lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements. Support and participate in lean initiatives and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• 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. Leverage specialized software where applicable.
• 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, collaborate across teams, share knowledge, and support team goals. Build strong cross-functional relationships and foster a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Previous assembly and rework experience preferred.
• 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).

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.

Pay

Level 3: Estimated hourly base pay: $24.04 - $31.25 (midpoint). Plus shift premium and overtime. All members are included in an annual cash bonus opportunity.

Benefits

• 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, and bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave and 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, and military leave.

Schedule

AWS 2nd shift: Monday-Thursday, 3:25pm-1:55am.