Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Woodward, Inc.; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodward Inc. in Santa Clarita is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for a contract role through December 2027 to support the manufacture of aerospace hydromechanical and servo valve systems.

The role is hands-on with a focus on production optimization, machine utilization, and solving complex manufacturing challenges. You will own processes, drive Lean initiatives, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• Experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with DFM, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimize manufacturing processes across CNC machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Maximize machine uptime and production output; identify bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across production.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to ensure efficient tooling and processes.
• Lead root-cause investigations and critical problem-solving on the production floor.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, and Engineering to improve manufacturing performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior Manufacturing Engineers.

Skills

CNC machining

Fabrication

Assembly

Lean manufacturing

DFM

Problem solving

Job description

Woodward is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our Santa Clarita team, supporting the manufacture of highly engineered aerospace products, including hydromechanical and servo valve systems.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused heavily on production optimization, machine utilization, and solving complex manufacturing challenges.

Please note, this is a contract position, up to December 2027.

What you’ll be doing as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• Own and optimize manufacturing processes across CNC machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Maximize machine uptime and production output, identifying bottlenecks and reducing downtime.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across production.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to engineering designs, ensuring the right equipment, tooling, and processes are available to manufacture parts efficiently.
• Lead root-cause investigations and critical problem-solving on the production floor.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, and Engineering to improve manufacturing performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior Manufacturing Engineers.

What we’re looking for in our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• 5+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• Experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing preferred.
• Strong experience with CNC machining, fabrication, and/or assembly.
• Experience with DFM, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with hydromechanical or servo valve products is highly desirable.
• Hydraulics experience preferred; relevant automotive hydraulics experience may also be considered.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex production issues and lead manufacturing improvements.

Why join Woodward as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer?

• This isn't a role where you'll simply maintain existing processes. You'll have the opportunity to own problems, influence manufacturing strategy, and make measurable improvements on the production floor.
• You'll work alongside experienced engineers and manufacturing professionals while having the scope to lead projects, mentor others, and develop your technical and leadership skills within a major aerospace organization.

Estimated base salary: $102,000–$140,000

This position involves information subject to ITAR/EAR regulations. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. Person requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer.