Prototype Machinist (2nd Shift, 5x8)

Woodward, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 43,050 - 68,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity incentive

Annual cash bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. is hiring an experienced Prototype Machinist on a 2nd shift (2:30pm start) in Colorado. You will design and run complex CNC processes, write CAM programs, and mentor peers while ensuring quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include developing machining procedures, conducting advanced inspections, and maintaining 5S and lean practices. The role offers competitive benefits, equity, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience writing and editing programs for 5-axis CNC machines.
• Proficiency with CAM software and precision gauging equipment.
• Ability to setup, program and operate multi-axis CNC machines at an advanced level.

Responsibilities

• Machine Operations: design and execute complex machining processes and create tooling recommendations.
• Develop Machining Processes: refine procedures and perform advanced inspections with CMM reports.
• Quality Assurance: inspect finished parts and maintain SOP data.
• Organization & cleanliness: apply 5S principles across the team.
• Safety Mindset: promote safety and accountability within the team.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC setup

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Team communication

Time management

Lean / 5S

Production systems

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Tools

3D CAD/CAM

Collision avoidance

Tool monitoring

Optimization software

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.

• Estimated hourly base pay: $31.25 (minimum) - $40.38 (midpoint) - $50.00 (maximum). Plus, overtime and shift premium.
• Long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity
• 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
• 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 make your mark?

If you're an experienced Prototype Machinist with programming experience, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

This is a 2n shift position, Monday to Friday, 8 hours shift, starting at 2:30pm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operations:
  • Design and execute complex machining process flow to transform raw materials into finished parts, including sequencing, optimization, and tolerance stack-ups.
  • Design, recommend, and create work holding, fixturing, cutting tool selections and specifications for complex parts.
  • Create, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize complex CNC programs using CAM software, ensuring robustness and quality (Gage R&R).
  • Significant knowledge in CNC programming, machine capabilities, material machining properties, and processes including grinding, turning, milling, and drilling.
  • Perform advanced and innovative inspections, using precision gauging equipment, machine probes, and CMM reports.
  • Mentor other machinists
• Develop Machining Processes: Designs and refines machining procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure the accuracy of prototype development. Perform advanced and innovative inspections, using precision gauging equipment, machine probes, and CMM reports.
• Quality Assurance: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).
• 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:

• Machine and Technical Operation: Demonstrated ability to solely and effectively set up, program, and operate manual and multi-axis CNC machines at an advanced level to manufacture first-part validations. Ability to create custom programming and advanced understanding of CNC machine parameters as needed. Advanced understanding of secondary processes such as anodizing, coatings, and heat treating.
• Troubleshooting: Expert level in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during machining processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively creates solutions to avoid downtime. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop process plans and resolve complex part manufacturing challenges.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Expert understanding of mechanical systems and components. Ability to choose, set up, and use inspection gaging and hand/power tools.
• 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 Team Lead to resolve.
• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggest improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a culture of continuous improvement.
• Production Systems: Champions standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates in the daily management system.
• Computer Skills: Automates tasks, analyzes data trends, and supports digital transformation initiatives. Advanced experience in using software packages such as 3D CAD/CAM, collision avoidance, tool monitoring and optimization.
• 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. Effective verbal and written communication skills including documentation, collaboration, and project updates with team members.

Other qualifications

• Successful applicants usually have experience writing and editing programs for 5-axis CNC machines.

Application window is anticipated to close 15 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.