Strategic Sourcing Engineer I or II

01 & 04 Woodward, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. is seeking a procurement and supply chain professional to develop and support sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost reductions through Lean and Six Sigma practices.

The role includes creating an Approved Supplier List, onboarding suppliers, and ensuring quality and process compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Travel is expected at roughly 50% to support global sourcing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required.
• Experience with supplier management and Lean/Six Sigma methods preferred.
• Ability to analyze data and drive cost reductions across supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support supply chain and sourcing strategies.
• Lead creation of an Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Manage supplier lifecycle from discovery to onboarding and ensure quality compliance.
• Drive cost reductions through VAVE, Lean, and Six Sigma.

Skills

Supply chain management

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Quality tools

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Six Sigma

Power BI

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Power BI

Job description

About Woodward

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. Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.

Compensation and Benefits

Average travel of approximately 50% is required.

Level I: Estimated annual base pay: $95,000 (minimum) - $123,500 (midpoint) - $152,000 (maximum)

Level II: Estimated annual base pay: $116,000 (minimum) - $151,000 (midpoint) - $186,000 (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, 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

Level I – Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support supply chain and sourcing strategies to improve profitability and efficiency.


• Act as a technical specialist within assigned product categories and lead creation of an Approved Supplier List (ASL).


• Discover and evaluate new suppliers and technologies to meet category needs and address capability/capacity gaps.


• Define and drive source selection decisions in alignment with global strategies.


• Manage the supplier’s lifecycle from discovery through onboarding and ensure compliance with quality and product specifications.


• Support production readiness for new product launches and part transitions while executing cost reductions through VAVE.


• Drive supplier improvement activities using Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.


• Deploy and utilize quality tools like 8D, PFMEA, SPC, and Gage R&R to ensure supplier compliance and resolve quality issues.


• Verify and oversee supplier APQP processes, proactively minimizing launch issues.


• Lead development plans with suppliers, mentoring SQEs, SDEs, and CQEs on complex problems.

Level I – Key Skills

• Expertise in manufacturing and quality processes (category-specific).


• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.


• Advanced data analysis and problem-solving abilities.


• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing and Root Cause Analysis.


• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and related quality tools.


• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO-9001, and other relevant standards (TS-16949, NADCAP, AS13100).


• Cultural awareness and ability to adapt across global teams.


• Strong facilitation, analytical, and critical thinking skills.


• Proficiency in business analytics tools (e.g., Power BI).

Level II – Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support complex supply chain and sourcing strategies to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.


• Act as a technical specialist for assigned product categories and lead the creation of an Approved Supplier List (ASL).


• Manage supplier lifecycle from discovery through onboarding, ensuring alignment with technical, process, and quality standards.


• Define and drive source selection decisions consistent with global strategies and stakeholder alignment.


• Lead supplier discovery efforts and assess new technologies to meet category needs and improve production efficiency.


• Support product roadmaps, technical design reviews, and production readiness for new product launches and legacy transitions.


• Drive cost reductions through VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) and implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvements.


• Deploy quality requirements and tools (e.g., PFMEA, SPC, 8D) to ensure supplier compliance and resolve quality issues.


• Serve as an escalation point for supplier development and quality issues while mentoring and training team members.


• Manage supplier APQP processes, ensuring integrity and proactive resolution of launch issues.

Level II – Key Skills

• Expertise in quality and manufacturing processes, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Lean Manufacturing concepts.


• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with management, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.


• Advanced data analysis capabilities, including proficiency in tools such as Power BI and Business Objects.


• Strong facilitation, analytical, and critical thinking skills for problem-solving and mentoring.


• In-depth knowledge of industry standards such as AS9100, ISO-9001, TS-16949, NADCAP, and AS13100.


• Ability to manage supplier relationships and drive cultural awareness for global collaboration.


• Proactive approach to discovering and implementing new technologies and ideas.


• Demonstrated project management skills for supplier development and category strategy implementation.

Successful Candidates Typically Have:

• Level I: a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field 4+ years of relevant experience


• Level II: a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field 8+ years of relevant experience

Eligibility and Compliance

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).

Equal Opportunity

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.

What does it mean to be part of Woodward?

It means contributing to what matters most in your career, in your community and around the world. It means being a part of rewarding experiences, where innovation, collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of what we do.