Manual Lathe Machinist

Woodward is seeking a Manual Lathe Machinist to join our team in Zeeland, MI.

As a Manual Lathe Machinist, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and adjusting multi-axis machining centers to produce precision parts, performing in-process inspections, and ensuring all components meet blueprint specifications and customer requirements.

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).

Benefits Package:

• Starting pay at $21.50/hour and up, based on experience and shift
• Annual cash bonus opportunity
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting on hire date
• Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health support
• Member Life & AD&D, Long Term Disability, Optional Life Insurance
• Spouse/Child Optional Life, Optional AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Voluntary benefits, including:
• Home/Auto insurance discounts
• Whole life insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Legal assistance
• Military leave
• Member referral bonus

Shift Information:

• First Shift | Monday to Friday | 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Second Shift | Monday to Friday | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Third Shift | Monday to Friday | 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• Must be available to complete one week of orientation on the first shift

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma
• 2-5 years of related experience required
• 1 years of manual lathe experience
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret GD&T

Preferred Experience:

• Tool and die and/or CNC machining experience

General Requirements:

• Proficient in applying formal inspection standards, work instructions, and best practices.
• Skilled in using micrometers, gauges (functional and cylindrical), comparators, indicator setups, calibration stickers, and scales.
• Able to read, interpret, and make basic edits to CNC programs.
• Familiar with machining processes including grinding, turning, milling, and drilling.
• Strong understanding of machine functionality and tooling.
• Quick to learn new systems with the ability to assess part relationships and their impact on overall system performance.

Essential Functions:

• Set up, operate, and edit programs on multi-axis machining centers.
• Perform tool offsets and make tool changes as required to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections to verify dimensional accuracy and part conformity.
• Utilize a variety of inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical comparators.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure parts meet customer specifications.

Working Conditions:

• Clean, climate-controlled atmosphere
• Aerospace and defense manufacturing environment