Operations Technician - 1st Shift

Woodward; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual cash bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Training/Professional Development

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Vacation / Sick Time

Parental leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Referral bonus

Flexible Spending Accounts

Home/Auto Insurance discounts

Military Leave

Job summary

Woodward is hiring an Operations Technician to support production lines at the Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park, IL. The role is on 1st Shift, with Monday–Thursday or Monday–Friday schedules, performing manufacturing, assembly, testing, and specialized process operations using various tools and inspection equipment.

Training hours for the first two weeks are 7:00am–3:30pm, with potential shifts after week three.

Qualifications

• Experience following standard operating procedures and working with basic hand tools.
• Ability to log data accurately and escalate concerns per process.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality in manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Follows documented procedures to produce products using specified tools and equipment.
• Observes and records key process variables to ensure consistency and logs daily operations.
• Conducts inspections and tests to verify product accuracy and maintains records.
• Keeps workstations clean and organized, stores tools and materials properly.
• Adheres to safety protocols and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Technical Capability

Critical Thinking

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Communication

Time Management

Lean Mindset

Production Systems

Computer Skills

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

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 I: Estimated hourly base pay: $19.50 - $21.00

Level II: Estimated hourly base pay: $22.00 - $25.00

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

Woodward is hiring Operations Technicians to support the production lines at our Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park, IL. The role is on 1st Shift, with shifts that run Monday - Thursday or Monday - Friday . This position is responsible for performing manufacturing, assembly, testing, and/or special process operations, using various hand and specialty tools and inspection / measurement equipment and will work to produce quality aerospace parts.

Training hours for the first 2 weeks will be 1st shift, Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Starting the 3rd week, training may be on an alternate shift for a few months

Level 1

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 elevate 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.

Level 2

Key Responsibilities:

Operations