Operations Specialist II - EDM Programmer/Operator

01 & 04 Woodward, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Parental leave

Life/AD&D insurance

Job summary

Woodward is seeking an Operations Specialist II - EDM Programmer/Operator at the Rock Cut facility on first shift. The role focuses on EDM programming for upcoming NPI work (F110, SVT) and supporting shop floor with program updates and troubleshooting.

Applicants should thrive in a hands-on, high-precision aerospace environment. Ideal candidates bring advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, GD&T, and experience with Esprit CAM software, plus a strong problem-solving mindset and

Qualifications

• Experience with Esprit 20XX/Esprit Edge CAM software.
• Strong GD&T knowledge and ability to apply to part setup and fixture design.
• Experience with GF Cut-200 and Cut-350, Fanuc EDM machines.

Responsibilities

• Executes technical processes and maintains procedures for efficient daily operations.
• Applies continuous improvement approaches to new assignments and existing methods.
• Ensures quality through timely disposition and root-cause analysis of production issues.
• Resolves complex issues using systematic problem-solving methods and guidelines.
• Adheres to safety protocols and supports safety improvements in production.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Communication

Time Management

Lean Mindset

Production Systems

Computer Skills

Detail-Oriented

Collaboration

Tools

Esprit 20XX

Esprit Edge CAM

GF Cut-200

GF Cut-350

Fanuc EDM machines

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 2: Estimated annual base pay: $31.25 - $40.08 plus overtime.

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

At our Rock Cut facility, we’re seeking a detail-oriented Operations Specialist II - EDM Programmer/Operator to join our team on 1st Shift, M-F 7:00am-3:30pm. This new position will fill current needs for EDM programming from upcoming NPI work such as F110, and SVT along with supporting the shop floor with updates to programs and troubleshooting exceed the capacity NPI has. This will help alleviate this issue and contribute to better product flow through the EDM cells on the product lines, along with supporting NPI programs when applicable. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on technical environment and wants to contribute to high-precision aerospace work.

Training shift: M-F 7:00 AM-3:30 PM Level II:

• Execute Technical Processes: Implements and maintains technical procedures to ensure efficient daily operations in multiple areas/processes.
• Continuous Improvement: Determines and applies appropriate approaches for new assignments and enhances existing methodologies to improve effectiveness.
• Quality: Timely disposition and applies complex root cause analysis for production problems. Implements corrective actions across similar processes to prevent recurrence.
• Resolve Complex Issues: Utilizes a common systematic approach in problem solving to provide solutions for atypical or infrequent operational problems based on established guidelines.
• Safety Mindset: Adheres to, actively supports, and implements improvements to established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements; maintains mindfulness of self and surrounding work area to promote a safe working environment.

Key Skills:

• Technical Knowledge: Advanced understanding of complex manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision assembly, or test equipment). Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality standards. Utilizes advanced blueprint and GD&T understanding to suggest improvements to engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Analytical Skills: Expertise in applying analytical methodologies to operational processes. Experience with process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams). Supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Utilize advanced understanding of manufacturing processes (mechanical disassembly/reassembly, CNC machine operations, testing) to support and mentor operations members. Advanced skill with mechanical tools and measurement instruments and mechanical components. Understanding how tooling impacts repeatability, precision, and cycle time. Advanced knowledge of mechanical techniques and processes.
• Communication: Communicates actively with all key stakeholders to support workflow and drive resolution to immediate issues. Clearly conveys (verbal and written) advanced technical information and ideas effectively across teams and departments throughout the organization. Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values
• Time Management: Prioritizes tasks effectively to meet deadlines and manage workload efficiently. Manages multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with objectives.
• Lean Mindset: Identifies opportunities to enhance operational workflows and implements effective solutions. Participation in improvement projects to solve complex manufacturing issues. Ability to quantify impact (e.g., cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvements).
• Production Systems: Champions standardized work and provides timely support to production escalations. Actively participates the daily management system. Advanced knowledge in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and production softwares and tools to aid in analysis of problems.
• Computer Skills: Advanced ability to use basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Detail-Oriented: Ability to review and maintain BOMs. Improve work instructions, and process documentation with a high level of accuracy. Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings and ensuring alignment with production specs. Proactively Identifies and corrects minor deviations before they escape into major issues.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with others and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Facilitates team discussions.

Additional Information: Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, or bending; and lifting or moving objects. Work is performed in an area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations.

Successful Candidates typically have:

• Experience with Esprit 20XX and Esprit Edge CAM Software
• Strong GD&T knowledge and ability to apply to part set-up and fixture design
• Experience with GF Cut-200 and Cut-350, Fanuc EDM machines
• Experience working in a development environment

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.