Assembly and Test Associate I (1st Shift, 6AM-2PM)

02 & 12 Woodward FST, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Job summary

Woodward is seeking an Assembly and Test Associate 1 to assemble and test products following documented procedures and inspects to ensure quality. The role emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to lean practices.

You will use basic computer tools and collaborate with the team to meet daily production targets while maintaining a clean workstation and following standard work. High school diploma or GED and 1+ years of mechanical aptitude are preferred. ITAR/EAR rules apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 1+ years of mechanical aptitude experience preferred.
• ITAR/EAR compliance requires U.S. person or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assemble product following documented procedures using specified tools and equipment.
• Test product following procedures and record results.
• Conduct inspections to verify accuracy and function; maintain data per standards.
• Maintain clean, organized workstation; follow 5S principles and safety protocols.
• Follow standardized work and participate in continuous improvement.

Skills

Technical capability

Critical thinking

Mechanical aptitude

Team communication

Core values

Time management

Lean mindset

Production systems

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 hourly base pay: Starting Pay: $20.50 Hours: 1st Shift, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM Training Hours: 7:30 AM- 3:30 PM (1st Week Only)

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 members
• 12 paid 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 make your mark? If you’re an Assembly and Test Associate 1, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

This role involves assembling and testing products according to documented procedures, ensuring quality through inspections, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Safety and adherence to protocols are prioritized.

Key qualities sought include technical proficiency, critical thinking, mechanical aptitude, effective team communication, time management, lean practices, attention to detail, and collaboration. Candidates should follow standardized work, participate in continuous improvement, and use basic computer tools to support tasks efficiently.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Assemble Product: Follows documented procedures to accurately and efficiently assemble product components using specified tools and equipment.
• Test Product: Follows documented procedures to accurately and efficiently test product using specified tools and equipment,
• Quality: Conducts inspections and tests to verify the accuracy and functionality of products and records and maintains data per operating standards.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Adheres to 5S principles by keeping workstations clean, organized, and free of unnecessary items. Follows established guidelines to ensure tools, materials, and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
• Safety Mindset: Adheres to all established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements; maintains mindfulness of self and surrounding work area to promote a safe working environment.

What We Are Looking For:

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows basic technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Critical Thinking: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates basic understanding of mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and basic equipment safely and effectively. Can assemble and test products and may perform basic setups of equipment.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalates immediate issues.
• Adherence to Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Effectively manages time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Adheres to individual schedule.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participates in continuous improvement activities.
• 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.

Successful candidates typically have:

• High School Diploma, or GED Equivalent 1+ years of Mechanical Aptitude

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.

What does it mean to be part of Woodward? It means contributing to what matters most in your career, in your community and around the world. It means being a part of rewarding experiences, where innovation, collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of what we do.

Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.