Mechanical Development Technician - 1st Shift

01 & 04 Woodward, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement & development

12 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Life & AD&D/ LTD

Flexible spending & voluntary benefits

Job summary

Woodward is hiring a 1st shift Mechanical Technician for the Production Equipment department at the Rock Cut Campus in Rockford, IL. You will assemble, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical systems to support high-quality production operations.

The role emphasizes reading schematics, using measurement tools, and collaborating with engineers to drive process improvements while adhering to ITAR/EAR requirements. A strong team and safety culture are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience reading moderately complex schematics and drawings.
• Solid understanding of deployed systems and component operation.
• Ability to use standard measurement devices for data acquisition and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assemble components and systems with increasing complexity and modify/repair as needed.
• Identify and propose solutions for moderately complex issues with components or systems.
• Conduct moderately complex tests and record/analyze results for engineering teams.
• Suggest improvements to existing processes and tools based on hands-on experience.
• Guide entry-level technicians on basic tasks and safety procedures.

Skills

Schematics & Drawings

Field use knowledge

Communication

Team Leadership

Process Improvement

Problem Solving

Assembly

Devices & Tools Used

Principles & Data Review

Testing

Tools

Measurement devices

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: $26.44 (minimum) - $34.62 (midpoint) - $42.31 (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 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
• 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

Woodward is hiring for a 1st shift Mechanical Technician to join our Production Equipment department at our Rock Cut Campus. We’re looking for individuals with a strong background in mechanical systems to help us deliver high-quality solutions. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in supporting production operations and driving process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assembly: Assemble components and systems with increasing complexity. Modify and/or repair components under minimal supervision. Assist in troubleshooting issues.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Identify and propose solutions for moderately complex issues with components or systems. Collaborate with stakeholders and implement solution.
• Testing and Analysis: Conduct moderately complex tests on components and systems with some independence. Record and analyze test results and provide preliminary findings to engineering teams.
• Process Improvement: Suggest improvements to existing processes or tools based on hands-on experience. Participate in creating or updating process documentation.
• Team Leadership: Act as a resource for entry-level technicians by guiding them on basic tasks and safety procedures.

Key Skills

• Schematics and Drawings: Capable of independently reading and interpreting moderately complex schematics and drawings. Begins modifying drawings and schematics with guidance. Growing knowledge of assembly and testing processes and geometric tolerancing.
• Application and Field Use Knowledge: Solid understanding of deployed systems and component operation. Independently applies standard assembly and testing methodologies. Familiar with relevant industry standards.
• Communication: Develops clear written and verbal communication skills. Able to present findings to internal teams and contribute to discussions about test results. Occasional exposure to customer interactions.
• Team Leadership: Provides guidance to entry-level technicians on basic tasks. Assists with organizing smaller projects.
• Process Improvement: Participates in efforts to improve processes or tools. Suggests ideas to enhance efficiency and quality within established systems.
• Problem Solving: Independently solves moderately complex problems using basic troubleshooting techniques. Begins applying structured methods such as Root Cause Analysis with guidance.
• Assembly: Independently assembles and modifies moderately complex components and systems. Assists with improving assembly methods.
• Devices and Tools Used: Proficient in using a range of standard measurement devices for data acquisition and analysis. Begins designing basic fixturing or rigging equipment for assembly and testing.
• Principles & Data Review: Solid understanding of mechanical principles and their application in moderately complex systems. Independently conducts basic testing and data collection.
• Testing: Plans and executes moderately complex test strategies with minimal supervision. Provides preliminary analysis and feedback on test results.

Successful candidates typically have:

• Experience in aerospace industry
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics and drawings
• Ability to use measurement tools, (i.e. calipers or micrometers)
• Experience and understanding of hydraulics and metal fabrication

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.