Manager, Engineering IT Systems (PLM)

Woodward Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Woodward Inc. in Colorado is seeking an IT leadership role to guide engineering software platforms and digital thread initiatives across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.

The position requires 5+ years in IT and engineering system management, 3+ years leading cross-functional teams, and a Bachelor's in a related field. The role is hybrid with on-site Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and remote on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Project management experience.
• 5+ years of experience in IT and engineering system management.
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience, with a proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team supporting engineering software apps.
• Define strategy and roadmap for engineering IT platforms (PLM, CAD, simulation, MBE/MBD).
• Partner with Engineering and leadership to align tech investments and standardize tools and data practices.
• Drive implementation and integration of engineering systems for digital thread connectivity and data flow.
• Oversee system performance, security, compliance, deployments, integrations, and ongoing support.
• Lead complex programs from requirements through change management and delivery.
• Build relationships with vendors, Sourcing, Legal, and IT including contract management and audits.
• Lead cross-functional teams and drive adoption of new technologies and processes.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Engineering Systems

Program Management

Change Management

Stakeholder Communication

Leadership & Collaboration

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in CS/IS/Engineering

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: $142,000(minimum) - $177,000(midpoint) - $213,000(maximum)

**This position follows a hybrid schedule, with onsite work required on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and remote work on Tuesdays and Fridays**

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, 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
    

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of administrators and analysts supporting engineering software applications, driving accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while ensuring internal customer needs are met, complex business challenges are resolved, and team members are supported in their professional growth and career development
• Lead the strategy, roadmap, selection, and enterprise adoption of engineering IT platforms, including PLM, CAD, simulation, MBE/MBD, and related technologies.
• Partner with Engineering and business leadership to align technology investments with organizational goals and establish standardized tools, processes, and data practices.
• Drive implementation and integration of engineering systems to enable digital thread connectivity, data reuse, and seamless data flow across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other enterprise functions.
• Ensure operational excellence by overseeing system performance, availability, security, compliance, software deployments, integrations, and ongoing support.
• Lead complex programs and projects, including requirements gathering, planning, budgeting, resource allocation, risk management, implementation, upgrades, and change management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, consultants, Sourcing, Legal, and IT teams, including contract management, SLA oversight, software licensing, and compliance audits.
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams, driving accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, stakeholder alignment, and adoption of new technologies and processes.

Key Skills

• Strategic Leadership & Technology Vision: Ability to develop and execute technology strategies that align engineering systems and investments with long‑term business objectives.
• Engineering Systems Expertise: Strong knowledge of PLM, CAD, simulation, MBE/MBD, HPC, digital thread, and emerging technologies such as AI/ML, digital twins, and cloud solutions.
• Program & Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex initiatives, including scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, dependencies, and deliverables using Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or similar methodologies.
• Change Management & Transformation: Ability to lead digital transformation, drive adoption of new tools and processes, address resistance to change, and guide organizations through technology transitions.
• Stakeholder Communication & Influence: Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts, build consensus, manage expectations, and influence technical and executive stakeholders.
• Leadership, Collaboration & Problem‑Solving: Ability to lead and develop high-performing cross‑functional teams, resolve conflicts, make sound decisions, troubleshoot complex issues, and manage competing priorities.
• Continuous Improvement & Industry Knowledge: Ability to optimize processes and operations while applying relevant engineering standards and frameworks, including ISO 10303 (STEP), ASME Y14.41, ITAR, and GDPR.

Successful candidates typically have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related discipline
• Project management experience
• 5+ years of experience in IT and engineering system management
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience, with a proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams

Application window is anticipated to close 14 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job‑related reasons.

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.