Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Woodward Inc.; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 116,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Woodward Inc. is committed to delivering energy control solutions with a strong focus on integrity and teamwork. This role leads design and development activities, driving continuous improvement and robust design practices across programs.

The position requires strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and deep expertise in CAD/CAE tools along with risk management to ensure high-quality, compliant products. Eligible for comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Experience with Six Sigma and lean product development.
• Strong problem-solving and structured thinking abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver technical results.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement to enhance product development velocity.
• Engage with teams on the shop floor to understand needs and provide support.
• Coach and mentor staff using performance reviews and training tools.
• Develop and maintain design standards for quality and compliance.
• Budget and resource management to meet profitability goals.

Skills

Leadership & People Mgmt

Adaptability

Technical Expertise

Continuous Improvement

Communication Skills

Product Life Cycle

Strategic Thinking

Risk Management

Training & Development

Financial Analysis

Education

Aken - Certified Technician/ Bachelor

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CAD systems

CAE systems

DFMEA

GD&T

Configuration management

ECR management

Test methods

Job description

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.Estimated annual base pay: $116,000 (minimum) - $151,000 (midpoint) - $186,000 (maximum)All Levels are eligible for the benefits below: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 members12 paid holidaysIndustry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hireVacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leavePaid parental leaveAdoption AssistanceEmployee Assistance Program, including mental health benefitsMember Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional LifeMember referral bonusSpouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible SpendingVoluntary benefits, including:Home / Auto Insurance discountsWhole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military LeaveKey Responsibilities:Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement and support systemic and process improvements to enhance product development velocity, ensure robust design culture, and pursue better ways of working through learning, adapting, and driving measurable progress.Go and See Leadership: Actively engage with teams by showing up where the work happens, listening deeply, and understanding team needs to provide effective support.Coach and Mentor Staff: Build trust, empower team members, and provide feedback to grow individuals to their full potential while maintaining a highly skilled and adaptable team using talent management systems, training matrices, and performance reviews.Develop and Maintain Design Standards: Create, maintain, and improve design standards to ensure high-quality, compliant products while leveraging lessons learned to enhance future designs.Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage budgets to align with profit planning activities, assign resources effectively to meet business needs, and achieve the company’s profitability objectives.Key Skills:Leadership and People Management: Strong leadership and motivational skills to coach, mentor, and empower individuals while fostering collaboration and teamwork.Adaptability and Learning Agility: Ability to adapt to changing environments, maintain a customer-focused mindset, and learn quickly to address emerging challenges.Technical Expertise: Proficiency in tools like CAD systems, CAE systems, design evaluation matrices, DFMEA, GD&T, configuration management, ECR management, and test methods.Continuous Improvement Knowledge: Expertise in Design for Six Sigma, lean product development, waste elimination, and structured problem-solving methods.Communication and Presentation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively.Product Life Cycle Knowledge: Strong understanding of the product life cycle, including key deliverables and integration of lessons learned into future designs.Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical direction with corporate strategic goals, execute effectively, and drive meaningful progress.Risk Management: Superb skills in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks to ensure robust product designs.Training and Development: Skilled in creating training programs and maintaining training matrices to upskill staff to meet organizational needs.Financial Analysis and Budgeting: Strong understanding of financial analysis tools and the ability to manage budgets effectively to meet objectives.Other Qualifications:Aken - Certified Technician/ BachelorThis 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.#LI-AT1