Operations Specialist II or III

Woodward, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 89,544,000 - 132,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Vacation and holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking an Operations Specialist II or III for its Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team.

The role provides hands-on support for automation and deployment of new equipment across multiple initiatives, tying manufacturing knowledge to safe, quality production. Level II and III expectations cover project execution, process development, Lean improvements, and cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and exposure to automation systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).
• Hands-on technical aptitude for equipment setup and troubleshooting.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support project execution for advanced manufacturing projects, including equipment installation, testing, validation, and ramp activities.
• Assist with process development and documentation of manufacturing processes and standard work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through Lean principles and lessons learned.
• Support problem solving during equipment build, integration, and early production.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance for smooth handoffs to production.
• Assist with validation and documentation efforts and corrective actions.
• Promote safety integration during equipment and process implementation.

Skills

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Automation exposure

Reading engineering drawings

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Robotics

PLCs

Automation equipment

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.

Operations Specialist II or III for Advanced Manufacturing

Woodward’s Industrial Product Division in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking an Operations Specialist to join the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. This role provides hands-on support for automation and advanced manufacturing projects by assisting with technical execution, problem-solving, and process implementation across multiple initiatives and production areas. The Operations Specialist applies manufacturing knowledge, quality standards, and production system understanding to help ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality deployment of new equipment and processes.

Level 2: Estimated hourly base rate: $31.25-$40.38

Level 3: Estimated hourly base rate: $35.58-$46.15

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

Level II

Key Responsibilities

• Support Project Execution: Assist with implementation of advanced manufacturing and automation projects, including supporting equipment installation, testing, validation, and production ramp activities. Contribute to assigned project tasks to help transition solutions into production.
• Assist with Process Development & Implementation: Support development and documentation of manufacturing processes, standard work, and technical procedures for new equipment and technologies. Help ensure processes are aligned with engineering requirements.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement: Provide input on process and equipment improvements identified during project activities. Support the application of Lean principles and assist with incorporating lessons learned into future implementations.
• Support Problem Solving Activities: Participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues during equipment build, integration, and early production. Apply structured problem-solving methods with guidance as needed.
• Collaborate Cross‑Functionally: Work with engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance to support project execution and effective communication. Assist with coordination between teams and handoff to production.
• Assist with Quality & Validation: Support validation activities and documentation efforts. Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions for issues identified during project implementation.
• Promote Safety Integration: Follow established safety requirements and participate in safety reviews and risk assessments. Support safe implementation of new equipment and processes.

Key Skills

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and basic exposure to automation systems
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
• Hands on technical aptitude for equipment setup and basic troubleshooting
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams

Level III

Key Responsibilities

• Support Project Execution: Provide experienced support for implementation of advanced manufacturing and automation projects, including assisting with equipment installation, integration, validation, and production ramp. Contribute to planning and execution of project tasks with increased independence.
• Assist with Process Development & Implementation: Support development, refinement, and documentation of manufacturing processes and standard work for new technologies. Provide practical input to improve manufacturability and alignment with production needs.
• Drive Continuous Improvement Contributions: Proactively identify opportunities to improve project execution, equipment performance, and process efficiency. Support the application of Lean principles and help incorporate best practices across projects.
• Support Advanced Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and assist in resolving more complex technical issues during integration and early production phases. Apply structured methodologies with minimal guidance and contribute to identification of root causes and corrective actions.
• Strengthen Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Act as an experienced contributor within cross‑functional teams, helping coordinate activities between engineering, operations, quality, and external partners. Support effective transition of projects into production.
• Support Quality & Validation Activities: Contribute more extensively to validation planning/execution and documentation. Assist in ensuring compliance with quality standards and in implementing corrective actions across similar issues.
• Promote Safety Integration: Actively support safety considerations in equipment and process implementation. Provide input during safety reviews and help reinforce safe practices during project execution.

Key Skills

• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes with exposure to automation systems (robotics, PLCs, automated equipment)
• Ability to interpret and provide input on engineering drawings, BOMs, and process documentation
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving and process analysis tools
• Solid hands‑on skills for equipment troubleshooting and system support
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with ability to support and guide less experienced team members informally

Application window is anticipated to close 7 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.