Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)

Woodward Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 93,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contributions

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Vacation time

Job summary

Woodward Inc. in Rockford, IL is seeking Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace) to lead complex mechanical design initiatives and coordinate cross‑functional teams across engineering, manufacturing and sales.

You will apply advanced FEA, DFSS, and quality systems to develop reliable aerospace components, support proposals and design reviews, and guide junior engineers toward delivering robust, producible solutions.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering with 4+ years of related experience.
• Strong communication and team leadership skills.
• Experience with aerospace mechanical design and development.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedules and coordinates detailed phases of a project.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and promote process improvements.
• Provide technical guidance to management and customers; support design reviews and proposals.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project leadership

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

FEA tools

DFSS tools

Engineering quality systems

Job description

## Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace)Apply: Rockford - Rock Cut Campus (RCC): Full time: Posted Today: JR112972Woodward 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. **Senior:**Estimated annual base pay: $93,000 (Minimum) - $121,000 (Midpoint) - $149,000 (Maximum) **Staff:**Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (Minimum) - $147,000 (Midpoint) - $181,000 (Maximum) * 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 **Senior:****Key Responsibilities:*** Plans, schedules and coordinates detailed phases of a project.* Participates in and promotes process improvements within assigned areas.* Performs work which involves conventional engineering practices, but includes a variety of complex features, such as conflicting design requirements, non-standard materials and difficult coordination requirements.* Provides direct support of sales and development by sharing information in the form of proposals and design reviews* Independently writes and performs component tests. **Key Skills:*** Effective written and verbal communication skills including presentations (internal, customers and management); Writes and communicates technical reports. Solid technical writing skills(EARS, procedures, reports, etc.)* Competent skills in complex problem solving and trouble-shooting.* Ability to effectively operate in the project team environment and communicate with Customers. May direct or lead work of technicians, detailers and designers.* Working knowledge of standards and the ability to apply complex groupings of standards into designs.* Competent use and understanding of FEA tools, basic use of DFSS tools and methodologies; competent knowledge of Engineering quality systems (PLC, engineering change, configuration management). Solid ability to compute steady state results. Assists with development of department and organization procedures.* Complete understanding of component function and testing requirements. Understands manufacturing processes, drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerances as well as shop standards and procedures and how they impact designs* May guide level 1 and 2 Engineers.* Competent use and understanding of FEA tools, basic use of DFSS tools and methodologies; competent knowledge of Engineering quality systems (PLC, engineering change, confi+DI19guration management). Solid ability to compute steady state results. Assists with development of department and organization procedures.* Time Management: Highly skilled in balancing multiple priorities in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.* Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments tied to executive workloads. **Other Qualifications:*** 4 Year Bachelors BS degree AND 4+ years equivalent experience **Staff: Key Responsibilities:*** Project Leadership: Leads and manages complex mechanical engineering projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and technical standards.* Technical Advisory: Provides expert guidance to management on advanced mechanical engineering solutions and best practices to enhance product development and process efficiency.* Process Improvement: Develops and implements innovative mechanical systems and methodologies to optimize operational efficiency and product quality.* Problem Solving: Analyzes and resolves intricate engineering challenges by applying sophisticated analytical techniques and innovative thinking.* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate mechanical engineering solutions into broader organizational initiatives and projects. **Key Skills:*** Mechanical Design: Expertise in designing and developing complex mechanical systems and components.* Project Leadership: Proficient in leading cross-functional projects from inception to successful completion.* Analytical Problem Solving: Skilled in using sophisticated analytical methods to resolve complex technical challenges.* Technical Advisory: Provides expert guidance to leadership on advanced mechanical engineering initiatives.* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effectively collaborates with multiple teams across different disciplines to achieve project goals.* Innovative Solution Development: Identifies and implements innovative engineering solutions to address business challenges.* Process Improvement: Recommends and applies best practices to enhance engineering processes and services.* Complex Systems Analysis: Capable of performing in-depth evaluations of intricate mechanical systems and data.* Strategic Communication: Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.* Advanced Technical Acumen: Demonstrates extensive technical knowledge and expertise in mechanical engineering principles. **Other Qualifications:*** 4 year Bachelors BS OR 10+ years equivalent 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.