Engineering Leadership

About Woodward

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. The company and its members act with integrity, respect, accountability, humility, and drive while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. Woodward’s purpose is to design and deliver energy control solutions that partners count on to power a clean future.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (minimum) – $147,000 (midpoint) – $181,000 (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
• 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 and adoption assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
• Life & AD&D, long‑term disability, optional spouse/child life and AD&D, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending
• Member referral bonus
• Voluntary benefits such as home/auto insurance discounts, whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave

Summary

• Engineering Leadership: Proven ability to lead high‑performing teams specializing in electromechanical actuation systems for aerospace applications (commercial and military flight controls, utility actuation, next‑generation systems) within a New Product Introduction (NPI) environment.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Extensive experience working with multidisciplinary teams and functions (Technology/Platform Development, Design & Drafting, Product Engineering, Aero Electronics) to drive growth strategies and deliver innovative solutions.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge in design, development, and production of electromechanical products, including requirements management, design tools, analysis and simulation tools, and advanced manufacturing methods.
• Operational Flexibility: Willingness and ability to work on‑site at the Woodward Niles facility, with occasional travel (<20%) to other Woodward locations and customer facilities as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement by implementing and supporting systemic and process improvements to enhance product development velocity, ensure robust design culture, and pursue better ways of working.
• Practice “Go and See” leadership: engage with teams on the shop floor, listen deeply, and understand team needs to provide effective support.
• Coach and mentor staff: build trust, empower team members, provide feedback, and use talent management systems, training matrices, and performance reviews to grow individuals.
• Develop and maintain design standards: create, update, and improve standards to ensure high‑quality, compliant products while leveraging lessons learned.
• Manage budgets and resources: develop and manage budgets aligned with profit planning, assign resources effectively, and achieve profitability objectives.

Key Skills

• Leadership & People Management: Strong leadership, motivational, and coaching abilities; fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Ability to adapt to changing environments, maintain a customer‑focused mindset, and learn quickly.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency with CAD, CAE, design evaluation matrices, DFMEA, GD&T, configuration management, ECR management, and test methods.
• Continuous Improvement: Expertise in Design for Six Sigma, lean product development, waste elimination, and structured problem‑solving.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present ideas clearly.
• Product Life Cycle Knowledge: Understanding of product life‑cycle deliverables and integration of lessons learned.
• Strategic Thinking: Align technical direction with corporate strategic goals and drive meaningful progress.
• Risk Management: Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks to ensure robust product designs.
• Training & Development: Create training programs and maintain training matrices to upskill staff.
• Financial Analysis & Budgeting: Strong financial analysis skills and ability to manage budgets effectively.

Qualifications

• 4‑year Bachelor’s degree (BS) and 10+ years equivalent experience in management and engineering.

Compliance

• This position requires use of information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• All applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR/EAR (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or protected person) or eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.