Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Woodward,-Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 113,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Stock contribution

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado seeks a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to drive efficiency, scalability, and quality across multiple production lines. The role emphasizes machining automation, Lean methods, and advanced analytics to boost productivity and reduce waste.

The ideal candidate will own processes, mentor teams, and partner with controls, maintenance, quality, and operations to deliver sustainable, data-driven improvements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience implementing machining automation systems, including robotics and machine tending.
• Experience with automation readiness criteria and production prove-out.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing and process optimization.
• Ability to collaborate with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, operations, and operators.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering; 10+ years of related experience is valued.

Responsibilities

• Own machining automation in a sustaining environment, including robotics, machine tending, tool life monitoring, and part presentation.
• Define technical requirements for automation and manufacturing projects, including scope and success criteria.
• Partner with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.
• Own manufacturing processes within a value stream, ensuring scalable, repeatable workflows.
• Lead process capability and productivity improvement using data analysis, SPC, and Lean methods.

Skills

Machining automation

Lean manufacturing

Process optimization

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Robotics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

APQP tools

Manufacturing data systems

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.Staff-Manufacturing EngineerSupporting Woodward’s Industrial division in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Staff Manufacturing Engineer will play a key leadership role in driving efficiency, scalability, and quality across multiple production lines. This position is responsible for overseeing production support, managing manufacturing processes, and leading cross-functional initiatives to ensure operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and advanced analytics, with a focus on improving productivity and reducing waste.Estimated annual base pay: $113,000- $155,000All 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 members12 paid holidaysIndustry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hireVacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.Paid parental leave.Adoption AssistanceEmployee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional LifeMember referral bonusSpouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible SpendingVoluntary benefits, including:Home / Auto Insurance discountsWhole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military LeaveKey ResponsibilitiesServe as the technical owner for machining automation in a sustaining environment, including robotics, machine tending, tool life monitoring, part presentation, and related technologies.Evaluate automation readiness by confirming process stability, capability, tooling reliability, part presentation, and operator interaction before automation is implemented.Define technical requirements for automation and manufacturing projects, including scope, assumptions, risks, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and success measures.Partner with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, operations, manufacturing engineering, and operators to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.Own manufacturing processes within a value stream, ensuring workflows are scalable, repeatable, documented, and adaptable to production and customer requirements.Lead process capability and productivity improvement efforts using data analysis, SPC, simulation tools, Lean methods, and production feedback to reduce variation and improve performance.Mentor engineers and technical team members in process ownership, automation readiness, troubleshooting, and structured problem solving.Key SkillsManufacturing process ownership across multiple production lines or value streamsData analysis, statistical process control, and process capability methodsLean manufacturing tools, including standard work, flow, Kanban, JIT, visual management, and waste reductionCost analysis and optimization across labor, material, overhead, scrap, inventory, and machine utilizationDesign for Manufacturability and Assembly review across products, processes, and equipment needsAPQP tools and systems, including risk assessment, control plans, tooling, fixturing, and critical process parameter monitoringEquipment selection, troubleshooting, performance improvement, and maintenance strategy alignmentProject leadership, stakeholder communication, and cross-functional coordinationRoot cause analysis, critical thinking, and sustainable corrective actionCoaching, mentoring, and technical capability buildingWell Qualified Candidates Possess:Demonstrated experience implementing machining automation systems, including robotics, machine tending, tool life monitoring, part presentation, and supporting equipmentKnowledge of automation readiness criteria and how to determine when a process is ready to automateExperience with equipment validation, runoff, acceptance criteria, process prove-out, and production release requirementsExperience supporting manufacturing operations in a sustaining environmentExperience working with controls engineering, maintenance, quality, operations, and operators to implement production solutionsFamiliarity with digital production documentation systems and manufacturing data systemsOther Qualifications:4 Year Bachelors BS OR 10+ years equivalent experienceApplication window is anticipated to close 7 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.