Operations Technician (1st Shift)

Woodward, Inc.; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision

Parental leave

Life insurance

Employee assistance

IT/tech discounts

Job summary

Woodward is hiring at the Loves Park, IL campus for an on-site manufacturing role. Responsibilities include operating tools, following SOPs, and supporting multiple product lines while keeping quality and safety as priorities.

The position emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to 5S/lean practices to ensure efficient, accurate production and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Follows documented procedures and SOPs to produce products.
• Willingness to train first two weeks and adapt to shifts.
• Maintains cleanliness and follows 5S principles on the line.
• Exhibits reliable attendance and teamwork to meet schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operates tools and equipment to produce products per procedures.
• Supports full product line across processes and capacities.
• Observes key process variables to ensure quality.
• Logs daily operations and escalates concerns when needed.
• Maintains tool storage and safety compliance.
• Inspects and tests to verify product accuracy and records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Team collaboration

Safety conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Strong communication

Problem solving

Basic computer skills

Tools

Email & spreadsheets

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.

Salary

• Level 1: Estimated hourly base pay:$18.27- $24.04


• Level 2: Estimated hourly base pay: $21.15 - $27.40

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

Location and Shift

Woodward, a global leader in aerospace innovation, is offering exciting opportunities at our Loves Park Campus on 1st shift in Loves Park, IL. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career journey, we invite you to join a dynamic team that thrives in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Mandatory Training

• First 2 weeks: M-F 7am-3:30pm


• Training starting week 3: Hours will vary based on department

Key Responsibilities

• Operations: Follows documented procedures to accurately and efficiently produce products using specified tools and equipment.


• Flexes and supports the full product line in various processes/ capacities.


• Process: Observes and records key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations.


• Accurately logs daily operations and resolves or escalates concerns.


• Follows standard operating procedures.


• Quality: Conducts inspections and tests to verify the accuracy and functionality of products and records and maintains data per operating standards.


• Organization & Cleanliness: Adheres to 5S principles by keeping workstations clean, organized, and free of unnecessary items.


• Follows established guidelines to ensure tools, materials, and equipment are properly stored and maintained.


• Safety Mindset: Adheres to all established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements; maintains mindfulness of self and surrounding work area to promote a safe working environment.

Key Skills

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows basic technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).


• Critical Thinking: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures.


• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates basic understanding of mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and basic equipment safely and effectively. Can produce products and may perform basic setups of equipment.


• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalates immediate issues.


• Adherence to Woodward's Core Values.


• Time Management: Effectively manages time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Adheres to individual schedule.


• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Participates in continuous improvement activities.


• Production Systems: Understands and adheres to standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates in the daily management system.


• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks.


• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.


• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback.

Successful Candidates Typically Have

• Effective time management and organizational abilities


• Problem-solving mindset with critical thinking skills


• Willingness to embrace change and adapt to new environments


• Keen attention to detail


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 Must use 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).

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

About Woodward

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.