Operations Technician - 1st Shift

Woodward, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life/AD&D/Disability benefits

Employee assistance program

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. is seeking production staff for our Rock Cut Campus in Loves Park, IL. The role operates on 1st shift (M-Th 4:30am-3pm) with overtime as needed, starting training in weeks 1–2.

Candidates will work on a production line, following SOPs and safety rules to deliver high-quality aerospace components. Ideal applicants exhibit strong attention to detail, lean mindset, and teamwork, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and reliability.

Qualifications

• Follows documented procedures and SOPs.
• Observes key process variables to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conducts inspections and maintains data per standards.
• Keeps workstations clean and organized per 5S principles.
• Adheres to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operations: follow procedures to produce products using tools and equipment.
• Process: log operations and escalate concerns as needed.
• Quality: inspect and verify products and record data.
• Organization & Cleanliness: keep workspace clean and properly stored.
• Safety Mindset: maintain safe working area and follow safety rules.

Skills

Technical Capability

Critical Thinking

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Communication

Time Management

Lean Mindset

Production Systems

Computer Skills

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Tools

Email

Spreadsheets

Data entry tools

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

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact? Woodward, a global leader in aerospace innovation, is offering exciting opportunities at our Rock Cut Campus on 1st shift (M-Th 4:30am-3pm, Overtime on Fridays as needed) 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. Explore your potential and contribute to cutting‑edge advancements with one of the world's foremost aerospace companies. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary!

Mandatory Training for the 1st 2 weeks: M-F 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3: M-Th 4:30am-3pm

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/ capabilities.
• 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's 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.

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.

What We Are Looking For

• 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

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.