Strategic Sourcing Engineer I or II

Woodward; Rockford (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Medical/dental/vision insurance

13+ paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

Job summary

Woodward is recruiting for Level I and II roles in supply chain and supplier management. The positions require developing and supporting sourcing strategies, acting as a technical supplier specialist, and driving cost reductions through Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.

Travel is approximately 50% and a comprehensive total rewards package is offered. Base pay ranges from $95,000 to $152,000 with a mid-point around $123,500, plus bonuses and benefits including 401(k) match and stock contributions.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and supporting supply chain and sourcing strategies.
• Act as a technical specialist within product categories and lead ASL creation.
• Discover and evaluate new suppliers and technologies.
• Define and drive source selection decisions aligned with global strategies.
• Manage supplier lifecycle from discovery to onboarding with quality compliance.
• Support production readiness for new product launches and transitions; drive cost reductions via VAVE.
• Lead supplier improvement with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support supply chain and sourcing strategies to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Act as a technical specialist and lead creation of an Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Discover and evaluate new suppliers and technologies to meet needs.
• Define and drive source selection decisions in line with global strategies.
• Manage supplier lifecycle from discovery through onboarding with quality compliance.
• Support production readiness for launches and transitions; implement cost reductions via VAVE.
• Lead supplier improvement activities using Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

Skills

Supply chain strategy

Sourcing expertise

Lean Six Sigma

APQP/PPAP

Quality tools (8D, PFMEA, SPC, Gage R&

Tools

PowerBI

AS9100/ISO-9001 knowledge

Global collaboration

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.

Average travel of approximately 50% is required

Level I

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

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.

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., PowerBI).

Level II

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

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.

Key Skills

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