Operations Technician III/IV - CNC Lathe (Fri-Sun 3am-3:30pm)

Woodward Inc.; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Woodward Inc. is seeking an Operations Technician to join the Loves Park, IL production teams. The role focuses on CNC lathe operations, adherence to SOPs, and continuous improvement within a 1st shift (Fri–Sun, 3am–3:30pm) setup.

Qualified candidates bring CNC experience, mechanical aptitude, and teamwork to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in a high‑volume environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with CNC lathe operations.
• Ability to follow documented procedures and SOPs.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Proven troubleshooting skills and problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent teamwork and communication within a production setting.

Responsibilities

• Follow documented procedures and operate CNC lathe with accuracy.
• Log daily operations and maintain production records.
• Support training of other members and assist in complex tasks.
• Maintain 5S practices and support lean initiatives.
• Ensure safety and quality standards are met on the line.

Skills

CNC Lathe

Mechanical aptitude

Lean mindset

Troubleshooting

Team communication

Tools

GD&T

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 3: Estimated hourly base pay: $24.04 - $31.25 Plus Shift Premium & Overtime
• Level 4: Estimated hourly base pay: $27.40 - $35.58 Plus Shift Premium & Overtime
• 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 looking to bring on skilled, motivated and driven Operations Technician that is ready to showcase their talent. Join our amazing AWS 1st shift (Friday-Sunday 3am-3:30pm) production teams at our Loves Park Campus in the Intermediate Grind department, operating a CNC Lathe Machine. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level with a company that values your skills and offers opportunities for growth, we want to hear from you!

Mandatory Training week 1 & week 2: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3: Friday-Sunday 3am-3:30pm

Level 3:

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations: Follows documented procedures, solves problems with unknown solutions, supports training of other members, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots challenges, and ensures adherence to production standards. Flexes and supports the full product line in various processes/ capacities.
• Process: Maintains key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations. Accurately logs daily operations and resolves or escalates concerns. Follows documented procedures, solves problems with unknown solutions, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots special process challenges, and ensures adherence to standards.
• Quality Control: Champions clarity and accuracy in documented processes and procedures, and collaborates with cross-functional teams.
• Organization & Cleanliness: Champions 5S principles, develops and refines 5S practices, and ensures consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborates with front line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.
• Safety Mindset: Serves as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partners to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Key Skills:

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Supports technical process development. Troubleshoots complex technical product issues based on engineering/ technical documentation. Leads complex technical tasks and mentors others.
• Troubleshooting: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during assembly and testing processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively identifies solutions.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates understanding of mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and equipment safely and effectively. Can produce products and setup equipment to support varying processes. Mentors others in best practices.
• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and elevate immediate issues. Champions Woodward's Core Values.
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognizes potential impact to efficiency and collaborates with appropriate member to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a culture of continuous improvement.
• Production Systems: Understands and adheres standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Leverages specialized software where applicable.
• 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. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.

Level 4:

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations: Follows documented procedures, solves problems with unknown solutions, supports training of other members, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots challenges, ensures adherence to production standards, and is the subject matter expert on one or more processes. Supports platform and special process development and continuous improvement initiatives. Flexes and supports the full product line in various processes/ capacities.
• Process: Maintains key process variables to ensure consistency and quality in operations. Accurately logs daily operations and resolves or escalates concerns. Follows and supports creation of documented procedures, solves complex problems with unknown solutions, leads complex or specialized tasks, troubleshoots challenges, and champions adherence to standards.
• Coordinate Interdepartmental Efforts: Facilitates collaboration between related teams to align resources and achieve organizational objectives.
• Resolve Operational Issues: Identifies and addresses operational problems using informed judgment and established precedents.
• Mentor Team Members: Allocates tasks and provides direction to enhance team performance and effectiveness.

Key Skills:

• Technical Capability: Understands and follows technical instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Understands and able to support technical process development. Troubleshoots complex technical product issues based on engineering/ technical documentation. Leads complex technical tasks and mentors others.
• Troubleshooting: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during assembly and testing processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively identifies solutions.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrates understanding of and proficiency with complex mechanical systems and components. Uses hand tools and equipment safely and effectively. Can produce products and setup equipment to support varying processes. Mentors others in best practices.
• Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and elevate immediate issues. Clearly conveys (verbal and written) advanced technical information and ideas effectively with all operations members. Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values
• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognizes potential impact to efficiency and collaborates with appropriate member to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and champions a culture of continuous improvement.
• Production Systems: Understands and adheres to standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Leverages specialized software where applicable.
• 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 and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams at all levels, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.

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:

• 3+ years previous CNC Lathe machine experience
• Extensive Mechanical aptitude
• Basic computer skills (email, data entry, etc.)
• Knowledge and ability to read and interpret blueprints & GD&T
• Previous Inspection experience

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.