Senior Controls Engineer - Vertical Integration

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.

/ Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Summary: Woodward is seeking a Senior-level Controls Engineer to support vertical integration initiatives and to integrate automation across manufacturing teams, primarily alongside CNC equipment. This role is responsible for developing and supporting control system solutions that improve process efficiency, data visibility, and system integration. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for automation, connect equipment and systems, and enable closed-loop feedback to support lights-out manufacturing.

About Woodward

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Controls System Design: Develops and implements medium to high complexity control systems, ensuring they meet industry standards and best practices.
• Participates in system commissioning and ensures designs meet project requirements.
• Lead medium-sized controls projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
• Analyzes and solves moderately complex control system issues in production and development by evaluating multiple factors and applying technical expertise.
• Create and refine complex controls system documentation, including diagrams, manuals, and reports to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
• Design and implement moderately complex automation and safety systems.
• Ensures safety standards are met and integrates them into control systems.
• Provide guidance to entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches.
• Leverages advancements in control technologies and automation to identify and implement process improvements.
• Analyzes system data to drive measurable gains in productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
• Independently evaluates and integrates emerging technologies into moderately complex or small-scale projects.
• Evaluates and optimizes new technologies, assessing their applicability to controls systems.
• Proficient in implementing industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP) and configuring network components like switches and VLANs.

Requirements

• Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
• Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments.
• Offer constructive feedback to help them grow and develop their skills.
• Advanced understanding of mechatronics theory, including the interaction between mechanical components, electrical systems, and control logic with the ability to analyze and apply these concepts to moderately complex systems.
• Develops and optimizes complex programs for tasks such as advanced system automation, data processing, or analytics.
• Implements robust practices to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security in all applications.
• Ensures reliable data exchange between devices by optimizing network setups.
• Advanced understanding of data analysis methods, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification.
• Capable of using data to inform decisions and optimize moderately complex control systems.
• Advanced proficiency in controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices, with the ability to apply them to moderately complex systems.
• 4 Year Bachelors BS degree and 4+ years equivalent experience 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.

Pay

• 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.
• $95,000 - $135,000 All Levels are eligible for the benefits below: All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.

Benefits

• 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

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. #LI-AT1