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: $105,000.00 (minimum) - $136,000.00 (midpoint) - $168,000.00 (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

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Lean Tools: Lead initiatives that utilize Lean tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), Standardized Work, Flow / Pull, and visual management systems.
• Support Problem-Solving: Facilitate kaizen events and structured problem-solving sessions using methodologies such as root cause analysis, A3 reports, and countermeasure development.
• Optimize Processes: Work with teams to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities and improve workflows, reducing lead times and increasing efficiency.
• Sustain Lean Improvements: Ensure that improvements are standardized, documented, and sustained over time, fostering continuous improvement and refinement.
• Deliver Lean Training: Design and deliver Lean training programs to employees at all levels of the organization, ensuring understanding and adoption of Lean principles.

Key Skills:

• Lean Tools knowledge: Deep knowledge of Lean methodologies, including Standardized Work, Daily Management Systems, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, PDCA, Kaizen, Kanban, and visual management.
• Problem-Solving Mastery: Proficiency in structured problem-solving approaches such as A3 thinking, root cause analysis, and countermeasure development.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze data and metrics to identify trends, measure progress, and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, organizing, and executing Lean initiatives and cross-functional teams.
• Coaching Expertise: Proven ability to coach individuals and teams, developing leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and ownership.
• Change Management: Experience in leading organizational change, overcoming resistance, and driving cultural transformation.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication skills to articulate Lean principles, engage stakeholders, and deliver training.
• Influencing and Facilitation: Ability to inspire and influence leaders and teams to adopt Lean practices and facilitate productive discussions during Lean events.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust, foster collaboration, and connect with employees at all levels.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with Lean practices and methodologies and continuously improving coaching skills.

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.