WBS Coach - Engine Systems

01 & 04 Woodward, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off (vacation/sick)

Parental leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability

Referral bonus

Flexible Spending (FSA)

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Woodward’s Industrial Product Segment in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a WBS Coach I to support Lean initiatives by helping teams improve processes, reduce waste, and strengthen daily management practices. You will assist with Kaizen events, basic Lean tools, process mapping, and structured problem-solving under guidance from experienced coaches and leaders.

Estimated annual base pay ranges from $74,000 to $118,000, with an annual cash bonus opportunity for all members.

Qualifications

• Basic Knowledge of Lean Tools (5S, visual management, PDCA)
• Strong problem-solving foundations (root cause, PDCA cycles)
• Experience supporting process mapping and data collection

Responsibilities

• Assist Lean Projects: support workshops and improvement activities.
• Apply Basic Lean Tools: 5S, visual management, Standardized Work, Daily Management.
• Participate in Kaizen Events: collect data, map processes, develop action plans.
• Support Daily Management: maintain huddle boards and visual metrics.
• Assist Leaders in Problem-Solving: apply structured problem-solving techniques.

Skills

Lean Tools

Problem Solving

Process Mapping

Data Analysis

Team Collaboration

Communication

Facilitation

Attention to Detail

Empathy

Eagerness to Learn

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.

WBS (Woodward Business System) Coach I Woodward’s Industrial Product Segment in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a WBS Coach who supports Lean initiatives by helping teams improve processes, reduce waste, and strengthen daily management practices. This role assists with Kaizen events, basic Lean tools, process mapping, and structured problem-solving under the guidance of more experienced coaches or leaders. The position also helps managers and supervisors build improvement habits, communicate effectively, and create a supportive environment for continuous improvement.

Estimated annual base pay: $74,000.00 min - $96,000.00 mid - $118,000.00 max USD Annual All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.

Benefits and Compensation

• 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

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in Lean Projects: Provide support for Lean initiatives, workshops, and process improvement activities under the guidance of coaches or leaders.
• Facilitate Basic Lean Tools: Apply foundational Lean tools such as 5S, visual management, Standardized Work, and Daily Management Systems to improve processes and reduce waste.
• Participate in Kaizen Events: Assist in planning and executing Kaizen events, contributing to activities such as data collection, process mapping, and action plan development.
• Support Daily Management Systems: Help teams establish and maintain Daily Management practices, including huddle boards, visual metrics, and performance tracking.
• Assist Leaders in Problem-Solving: Support managers and supervisors in applying structured problem-solving techniques, such as root cause analysis and PDCA cycles.

Key Skills

• Basic Knowledge of Lean Tools: Familiarity with foundational Lean methodologies such as 5S, Standardized Work, PDCA, visual management, and Kaizen.
• Problem-Solving Foundations: Understanding of basic problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis and PDCA cycles.
• Process Mapping: Ability to support process mapping exercises and identify inefficiencies in workflows.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Basic skills in collecting and analyzing data to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with teams and build rapport with employees at all levels.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication and active listening skills to explain Lean concepts and engage employees in improvement efforts.
• Facilitation Skills: Capability to assist in facilitating small improvement discussions and workshops.
• Attention to Detail: Careful attention to detail when documenting processes, tracking metrics, or supporting improvement activities.
• Empathy and Approachability: Strong interpersonal skills to connect with employees and foster a supportive environment for improvement.
• Eagerness to Learn: Desire to grow and develop knowledge of Lean principles, tools, and coaching skills.

Successful Candidates Will Also Have

• Basic understanding of scheduling systems such as level loading (Heijunka), kanban, pull, MTO, ATO, and MTS

Application 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.

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.

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.