Machinist II (1st Shift, M-F 6AM- 2PM)

Woodward FST; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

12 paid holidays

Vacation/Sick Time/Leave benefits

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Woodward is seeking a Machinist I/II to operate CNC and manual machines (Lathes, Mills, Swiss, OD/ID Grinders) to produce precision metal parts. You will interpret blueprints, follow detailed work instructions, and perform 1st piece inspections while maintaining a clean, organized 5S-compliant workspace.

The role emphasizes mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, timely execution, and collaboration with team members to sustain safety and quality standards in a lean manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Operates CNC and manual machining equipment to produce precision metal parts.
• Reads engineering blueprints and follows instructions.
• Maintains workstation organization using 5S principles.
• Works with team to meet quality standards and safety protocols.
• Lean mindset and continuous improvement are essential.

Responsibilities

• Machine operation across CNC or manual machines to spec.
• Perform 1st piece inspections and assist training.
• Follow SOPs and maintain data records.
• Ensure cleanliness and organize workspace.
• Uphold safety protocols within the team.

Skills

CNC Machining

Manual Machining

Blueprint Reading

GD&T

Inspection Skills

5S

Problem Solving

Basic Computer Software

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CNC Machining Experience 1-3 years

Tools

Lathes/Mills/Swiss/ID&OD Grinders

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:

• Machinist 1- $25.00+ (DOE)
• Hours: 1st Shift, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• 1st Week of Training: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

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 a Machinist II, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

• This role involves operating CNC and manual machining equipment (e.g., Lathes, Mills, Swiss, OD/ID Grinders) to produce precision metal parts, performing inspections, and adhering to quality standards and safety protocols. Key responsibilities include interpreting engineering blueprints, following detailed work instructions, maintaining workstation organization using 5S principles, and collaborating effectively with team members. The ideal candidate possesses mechanical aptitude, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, time management abilities, and proficiency in basic computer software. A lean mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this position.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Machine Operation:
  -Performs basic Set up and operates multiple CNC or Manual (Lathes/Milling/Swiss/Grinding-OD/ID) machines, and other machinery to produce precision metal parts according to specifications.
  -Performs supporting operations (ex. manual material removal, sub-assembly, etc.) while following established procedures.
  -Performs 1st piece inspections and may be required to train in these processes.
• Process Adherence: Follows detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy. Ability to interpret engineering blueprints and basic GD&T knowledge.
• Quality Control: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).
• Organization & Cleanliness: Proactively applies 5S principles, identifies opportunities to improve workstation organization and cleanliness, and ensures compliance with team standards. Assists in implementing new organizational practices as directed.
• Safety Mindset: Encourages adherence to safety protocols within the team.

What We Are Looking For

• Machinist I:
• 0-2 years' experience in related work or applicable degree
• General knowledge of machines and equipment functionality, and how tools could be used on such equipment/machines. This includes the ability to learn new systems quickly, understanding how parts relate, and how they impact system functionality.
• Knowledge of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) programming/machining including the ability to read, understand, edit basic programs and/or basic knowledge of one or more of the following skills - grinding, turning, milling, drilling.
• Intermediate ability to read, interpret and use the information presented in drawings, diagrams and blueprints to determine appropriate activities, tools, and next steps in the production process.

• Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing such as perpendicularity, parallelism, flatness. This includes the ability to interpret tolerances on prints and perform inspection techniques. This includes the ability to interpret datum structures, material condition tolerances, orientation tolerances.
• Knowledge of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) programming/machining including the ability to read, understand, edit basic programs and/or basic knowledge of one or more of the following skills - grinding, turning, milling, drilling.
• General knowledge of machines and equipment functionality, and how tools could be used on such equipment/machines. This includes the ability to learn new systems quickly, understanding how parts relate, and how they impact system functionality. This also includes process optimization or the ability to identify opportunities to improve current production processes and to implement the necessary steps for the improvements.
• The ability to define, diagnose, and resolve problems. This includes the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills and the ability to integrate knowledge of current resources and constraints, priorities and manufacturing processes.

Successful candidates typically have:

• High School Diploma, or GED Equivalent
• 1- 3+ years of CNC Machining experience

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.