Machinist III - Jig Bore (1st Shift)

Woodward; Rockford, Loves Park (IL, IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

Employee assistance

Life insurance

Referral bonus

Flexible spending

Job summary

Woodward in Loves Park, IL is seeking a Machinist III on first shift to support Jig Bore Machines. You will machine aerospace parts in a precision manufacturing setting, emphasizing quality and precision.

The role involves setup and operation of CNC or manual machines, performing inspections, and maintaining 5S and lean practices. Training is provided; overtime and occasional Saturdays may be required.

Join a team committed to integrity, safety, and delivering energy control solutions.

Qualifications

• Machine operation: Set up and run CNC or Manual (Lathes/Milling/Swiss/Grind-OD/ID) machines for precision parts.
• Perform 1st piece inspections and train in processes.
• Follow detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy.
• Use gages to inspect finished products and document data.
• Champion 5S and lean practices across the team.
• Foster a safety-minded culture with frontline leadership.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up CNC or manual machines to produce aerospace parts.
• Perform 1st piece inspections and train in measurement processes.
• Follow work instructions, ensure quality and efficiency.
• Use inspection tools and document results per SOP.
• Maintain 5S, cleanliness, and safety on the shop floor.
• Collaborate with leads to improve processes and reduce waste.

Skills

Machine operation

Problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Team communication

Time management

Lean mindset

Tools

CNC machines

Manual machining

Inspection tools

GD&T knowledge

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.

Level III : Estimated annual base pay: $27.40 - $35.58 Plus shift overtime

Benefits

• 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, 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

Are you an experienced manual machinist looking for your next opportunity? Woodward is hiring a 1st shift (Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm & Overtime as needed through work week and/or Saturdays) Machinist III to support our Jig Bore Machines at the Loves Park Campus. This role works. In this role, you will machine aerospace parts and components in a manufacturing environment. We are looking for candidates with manual machining experience who take pride in precision, quality, and workmanship.

Mandatory Training for 1st 2 weeks

Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3

Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation: Performs complex Set up and operates multiple types of 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 is required to train in these processes.
• Process Improvement: Follows detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy. Highly skilled at interpreting engineering blueprints and advanced GD&T knowledge.
• Quality Assurance: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).
• Organization & Cleanliness: Champions 5S principles, develops and refines 5S practices, and ensures consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborates with front line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.
• Safety Mindset: Serves as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partners to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Key Skills:

• Machine and Technical Operation: Skilled in Set up and operation of numerous CNC or Manual machining equipment such as Lathes, Mills, Swiss, and OD/ID Grinders. Proficient in supporting operations. Advanced tooling and machining process knowledge.
• Problem Solving: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during machining processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively creates solutions to avoid downtime.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Advanced understanding of mechanical systems and components. Ability to choose, set up, and use inspection gaging and hand/power tools.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and elevate immediate issues. Champions Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognizes potential impact to efficiency and collaborates with Team Lead to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a c