Continuous Improvement Lean/Six Sigma Expert

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.

• Estimated annual base pay: $106,800 (minimum) - $133,500 (midpoint) - $160,200 (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

• 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 make your mark? If you're a Continuous Improvement Lean/Six Sigma, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Continuous Improvement Lean/Six Sigma will partner with the Process Owners and Champions to drive results in the organization utilizing WLES principles. The CI Expert will assist in project identification/selection, assuring linkage between projects, business and customer priorities. The CI Expert will mentor, coach and develop Black belts, Greenbelts and Woodward's general membership assigned to projects related to Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies.

What you will be doing

• Led multiple process improvement teams using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness, and Cost.

• Mentored leadership teams to foster cultural change, embedding Continuous Improvement (CI) as a key driver of SQDRC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness, Cost) improvements.

• Guided and supported Black Belts and Green Belts in executing Lean Six Sigma projects.
  Conducted workshops, projects, and reviews for internal members and suppliers to drive improvement initiatives.

• Monitored and reported project outcomes to the leadership team for accountability and visibility.

• Collaborated cross-functionally with internal teams and external clients to ensure alignment and success in CI efforts.

• Managed and maintained the Continuous Improvement website, providing communication tools, templates, and resources.

• Stayed updated on industry trends, management techniques, and measurement tools, applying them strategically within the organization.

• Delivered training, coaching, and mentorship in Continuous Improvement practices to embed a CI-driven organizational culture.

• Actively facilitated CI initiatives to sustain long-term operational excellence.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical or business field required.

• 2-5 years of experience in manufacturing and quality business processes (transactional or operational) required.

• Proven process improvement experience using Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodologies, with a track record of results required.

• Advanced knowledge of Six Sigma statistical software (SPC, XL, Minitab, or equivalent) required.

• Technical competency in Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies, including DMAIC, BTO, Lean, Kaizen/Work-out, process management, project management, change management, and advanced statistical techniques required.

• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, communication (oral, written, and listening), and attention-to-detail skills required.

• Ability to plan, manage, and lead workshops, projects, and training sessions effectively required.
  Demonstrated knowledge of data collection, metrics, and performance targets for tracking process improvements required.

• Ability to influence change and collaborate cross-functionally in a positive and cooperative manner required.

• Demonstrated ability to manage workload independently and prioritize effectively required.

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.