1st Shift Supervisor - CNC Machining

Overview

Woodward’s Aerospace Division in Niles, Illinois is looking for a proactive and results‑driven Operations Supervisor to lead and support the front‑line team in achieving daily production goals and operational excellence. Salary will be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $85,000-$115,000. 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. Paid time off including Vacation/Sick Time, Vacation Buy‑up, Short Term Disability, Bereavement leave, and Paid parental leave. Adoption Assistance. Employee Assistance Program with mental health benefits. Life, AD&D, LTD, and optional life insurance; career and family benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts and voluntary benefits.

This position supports operations on 1st shift (6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Mon–Fri).

• Team Supervision:
  Provide direct support to front line team members to meet daily production targets and customer expectations.
• Resource Management:
  Allocate and coordinate resources effectively to meet operational objectives.
• Performance Management:
  Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, manage member development, recognition, and ensure accountability and policy adherence.
• Problem Solving:
  Identify and resolve day‑to‑day technical and operational issues; coach and mentor team in problem solving.
• Process Improvement:
  Collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and production system performance to meet demand.

• Leadership:
  Guide, motivate, and inspire teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Critical Thinking:
  Analyze situations, evaluate options, and develop effective solutions.
• Operational Management:
  Oversee daily operations, optimize processes, allocate resources, and maintain quality standards.
• Team Communication:
  Model excellent communication with internal stakeholders and teams.
• Time Management:
  Identify critical tasks and balance urgent production needs with improvements.
• Lean Mindset:
  Apply 5S and waste reduction; participate in continuous improvement.
• Team Focus:
  Lead through 5S, visual management, standardized work, and Daily Management System.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in Excel, Power BI, or Tableau; analyze production data to identify trends and improvements.
• ERP/MRP Knowledge:
  Proficiency with SAP and basic understanding of MRP for inventory and scheduling.
• Emotional Intelligence:
  Recognize and manage emotions to foster positive interactions.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work across teams; ensure training and certification; build cross‑functional relationships.

• Strong CNC Machining experience, including 5 axis Mill/Turn, 3‑4 axis lathes and mills, Swiss, gear hobbing/shaping, OD/, EDM experience.
• Supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment; ability to lead front‑line teams toward daily production goals.
• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR compliance is required for this role.

• Extensive CNC Machining experience with advanced capabilities (5 axis, Swiss, etc.).
• Experience supervising in a union environment.

This position requires the use of information subject to ITAR and/or EAR regulations. All applicants must be U.S. Persons or eligible to obtain required authorizations per U.S. State and Commerce Department regulations. Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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 by law.

Woodward is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. We pursue a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning to address energy challenges and enable a cleaner, decarbonized world.