Controls Engineer II

Woodward's Industrial Product Division in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a Controls Engineer II who supports the design, implementation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of low to medium complexity control systems. This role helps deliver small-scale controls projects, develops technical documentation, supports automation and safety integration, and assists with production issues using structured problem-solving methods. The position also works with cross-functional teams to improve processes, manage data, and support new technology development.

Estimated annual base pay: $77,000.00 (min) - $100,000.00 mid - $123,000.00 max

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:

• Controls System Design: Develops and implements low to medium complexity control systems, ensuring they meet industry standards and best practices. Participates in system commissioning and ensures designs meet project requirements.
• Project Support and Leadership: Manage small-scale controls projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met under supervision.
• Production Support & Troubleshooting: Identifies and resolves low level issues within production and development control systems using predefined methods and guidelines.
• Technical Documentation: Create and refine controls system documentation, including diagrams, manuals, and reports to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
• Automation, Safety and System Integration: Implement simple automation and safety systems. Ensures safety standards are met and integrates them into control systems.

Key Skills:

• Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Analyze production problems using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify root causes.
• Communication and Collaboration Skills: Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align goals and share updates on manufacturing improvements.
• Mentorship: Share foundational knowledge with peers and newer hires. Collaborate with others to support mutual learning and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Mechatronics Knowledge: Working knowledge of mechatronics theory, including the interaction between mechanical components, electrical systems, and control logic. Capable of applying this knowledge to standard designs and implementations with minimal guidance.
• Programming & Data Management: Writes intermediate-level programs to perform tasks like process automation, data collection, or system communication. Effectively manages larger datasets, ensuring they are well-structured and accessible for analysis.
• Process Improvement/ Optimization: Applies knowledge of control systems to improve workflows. Supports small-scale improvements that enhance productivity, reduce cycle times, and stabilize operations.
• New Technology Development: Explores, tests, and applies new concepts, showing initiative in experimenting with tools and methods to uncover areas for technology development and improvement.
• Communication Protocols and Networking: Applies knowledge of communication protocols and networking concepts (e.g., IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs) to configure device connections and integrate industrial devices following established procedures.
• Data Analysis: Proficient in applying basic data analysis techniques to control system data, including identifying patterns, generating simple reports, and using basic statistical tools to support design and implementation tasks.
• Control Systems Tools & Hardware: Proficient in using standard controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC/HMI's, torque drivers, motion control systems, vision system components, and edge devices, with the ability to apply them effectively to standard design and implementation tasks.

Other Qualifications:

• 4 Year Bachelors BS degree in a technical discipline

Application window is anticipated to close 7 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.

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).