Woodward

Advanced Motor Development Engineer

Niles, IL, US Full time

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.

Staff (Level 4):

Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (minimum) - $147,000 (midpoint) - $181,000 (maximum)

Senior Staff (Level 5):

Estimated annual base pay: $145,000 (minimum) - $181,500 (midpoint) - $218,000 (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 

Summary:

The Advanced Development Motor Engineer will work with Platform Development, Motor Engineering, and Aero Electronics product teams to define and execute technology and product development strategies for future aerospace electric motor and motor control applications. This role requires expertise in electromagnetic design of electric machines and a strong understanding of cooling systems, machine controls, and power electronics.

The role involves leading electrification trade studies, engaging with customers during the pre-bid phase, assisting with bid proposals, driving concept-to-TRL6 solutions, and supporting the transition to production. The candidate will also mentor technical personnel, drive process improvement, and balance innovation with cost productivity. Career progression opportunities exist, including potential evaluation for progression to Engineering Technical Fellow.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Advanced Technical Acumen in Electromagnetic Design: Expert knowledge of electric machine design principles, including brushless DC (BLDC) motors, AC induction motors, and permanent magnet alternators. Expertise with motor testing, including test setup (motor drive, dynamometer, DAQ, etc.), tooling design (fixtures, couplings, etc.) and data analysis.

  • Analytical Problem Solving: Skilled in using sophisticated analytical methods to resolve complex technical challenges. Mastery in 2D/3D electromagnetic simulation and analysis, using tools such as MagNet or Maxwell, MotorCAD, and SPEED PC-BDC, and thermal simulation and analysis, using tools such as MotorCAD and Fluent.

  • Technical Expertise: Serves as the internal technical authority in mechanical engineering, providing advanced knowledge and guidance across projects and initiatives.

  • Strategic Development: Contributes to the formulation and execution of mechanical engineering strategies, aligning technical solutions with business goals and industry trends.

  • Complex Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves unique, high impact engineering challenges by developing innovative and effective solutions.

  • Project Leadership: Leads and manages high risk, complex mechanical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery and alignment with organizational objectives.

  • Stakeholder Communication: Communicates sophisticated technical concepts to senior leadership and external partners, influencing decision making and resource allocation.

Key Skills:

  • Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and advanced technical methodologies.

  • Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and contribute to long term strategies that align with organizational goals.

  • Complex Problem Solving: Skilled in addressing unique, multifaceted challenges with innovative and effective solutions.

  • Leadership: Proven capability to lead cross functional projects and initiatives with significant risk and complexity.

  • Communication: Expertise in conveying complex technical ideas clearly to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

  • Resource Allocation: Proficient in directing resources and influencing project direction to optimize service and product initiatives.

  • Industry Insight: Ability to anticipate and respond to business and industry trends impacting technology and engineering solutions.

  • Process Improvement: Experience in recommending and implementing enhancements to products, processes, or services.

  • Interpersonal Influence: Skilled in persuading and networking with internal and external experts to achieve project objectives.

  • Conceptual Thinking: Strong capability to develop tools and processes that address strategic and intangible business issues.

Other Qualifications:

Staff:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Sciences (BS) 

  • Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field preferred

  • Greater than 8 years' experience in related field, including post-graduate experience

Senior Staff:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Sciences (BS) 

  • Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field preferred

  •  Greater than 12 years in related field required, including post-graduate 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. 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. 

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