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. 

• Level II Estimated Base pay: $24.01 - $31.25

• Level III Estimated Base pay: $27.40 - $35.58

All Levels are eligible for the benefits below:

• 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 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact? Woodward, a global leader in aerospace innovation, is offering exciting opportunities at our Loves Park Campus on 2nd shift (Mon-Thurs 3:24pm-1:54am) shift in Loves Park, IL. We’re looking for an experienced professional for our open VMC Machinist positions, we invite you to join a dynamic team that thrives in a challenging and rewarding environment. Explore your potential and contribute to cutting-edge advancements with one of the world’s foremost aerospace companies. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary!

Mandatory training for first 2 weeks: M-F 7am-3:30pm

Training starting week 3: 2nd shift, Mon-Thurs 3:24pm-1:54am

Level II:

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation:
  -Performs complex Set ups and operates numerous CNC or Manual (Lathes/Milling/Swiss/Grinding-OD/ID) machines, and other machinery to produce precision metal parts according to specifications.
  -Performs supporting operations (ex. manual material removal, sub-assembly, etc.) while following established procedures
  -Performs 1st piece inspections and is required to train in these processes.

• Process Adherence: Follows detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy. Skilled at interpreting engineering blueprints and in-depth GD&T knowledge.

• Quality Assurance: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).

• Organization & Cleanliness: Champions 5S principles, develops and refines 5S practices, and ensures consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborates with front line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.

• Safety Mindset: Serves as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partners to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Key Skills:

• Technical Operation: Skilled in Set up and operation of numerous CNC or Manual machining equipment such as Lathes, Mills, Swiss, and OD/ID Grinders. Proficient in supporting operations. Knowledge of machine insert and tooling selection.

• Problem Solving: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving common issues that arise during machining processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively identifies solutions.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Solid understanding of mechanical systems and components. Ability to set up and use inspection gaging and hand/power tools.

• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Demonstrates Woodward's Core Values.

• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Drives to maintain efficiency standards.

• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a culture of continuous improvement.

• Production Systems: Understands and adheres standardized work and escalates when it cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.

• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Leverages specialized software where applicable.

• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.

• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.

Level III:

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation: Performs complex Set up and operates multiple types of CNC or Manual (Lathes/Milling/Swiss/Grinding-OD/ID) machines, and other machinery to produce precision metal parts according to specifications. Performs supporting operations (ex. manual material removal, sub-assembly, etc.) while following established procedures.
  -Performs 1st piece inspections and is required to train in these processes.

• Process Improvement: Follows detailed work instructions to maintain production efficiency and accuracy. Highly skilled at interpreting engineering blueprints and advanced GD&T knowledge.

• Quality Assurance: Uses various gages to inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Records and maintains data per operating standards (SOP).

• Organization & Cleanliness: Champions 5S principles, develops and refines 5S practices, and ensures consistent adherence to standards across the team or department. Collaborates with front line leadership to integrate 5S principles into broader operational processes.

• Safety Mindset: Serves as a safety champion by fostering a culture of accountability within the team. Partners to align safety initiatives with organizational goals.

Key Skills:

• Machine and Technical Operation: Skilled in Set up and operation of numerous CNC or Manual machining equipment such as Lathes, Mills, Swiss, and OD/ID Grinders. Proficient in supporting operations. Advanced tooling and machining process knowledge.

• Problem Solving: Identifies gap-to-standard and resolves or escalates them per standard processes/procedures. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues that arise during machining processes. Anticipates potential issues and proactively creates solutions to avoid downtime.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Advanced understanding of mechanical systems and components. Ability to choose, set up, and use inspection gaging and hand/power tools.

• Team Communication: Communicates effectively with team members and supervisors to support workflow and escalate immediate issues. Champions Woodward's Core Values.

• Time Management: Proactively prioritizes time to complete assigned tasks within established schedules. Recognizes potential impact to efficiency and collaborates with Team Lead to resolve.

• Lean Mindset: Follows lean practices such as 5S and waste reduction. Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements. Supports and participates in lean initiatives and principles and drives a culture of continuous improvement.

• Production Systems: Champions standardized work and escalates when cannot be followed. Actively participates the daily management system.

• Computer Skills: Uses basic software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, data entry tools) to complete tasks. Leverages specialized software where applicable.

• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in tasks to maintain high quality standards. Follows instructions precisely and checks work for accuracy.

• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members to support overall team objectives and workflow. Works well with team members and accepts feedback. Collaborates across teams, shares knowledge, and supports team goals. Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters a collaborative culture.

Successful candidates typically have:

• 3+ years VMC machine experience

• Knowledge & ability to read and interpret blueprints & GD&T

• Extensive mechanical aptitude

• Strong troubleshooting skills

• Ability to work independently

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.