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Manual Machinist I - Sensors 2nd shift

Woodward · Niles, IL · $16.49–$28.60 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Training starts on days for two weeks, then first shift for a few months, then second shift. How does that schedule work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the changing training schedule and then commit to second shift.

Tell me about a time you learned a hands-on skill from someone more experienced.

What they are checking: Whether they learn well from coaching, which this training-heavy role depends on.

How do you stay focused and careful on detailed work for a full shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have the patience for precise, repetitive manual work.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about errors, which matters on parts that go into aerospace and energy systems.

What would you do

You're halfway through a job and realize a measurement is off. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and ask for help rather than continuing to make bad parts.

Your trainer shows you a method different from how you learned it before. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay open to the company's standard way of working.

About the work

What manual machines have you used, like lathes, mills or grinders, and what kinds of parts did you make?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic manual machining skills or a clear ability to learn them.

How do you read a blueprint and decide which dimensions need the most care?

What they are checking: Whether they can read prints and focus on the tight tolerances that matter for small sensor parts.

Sensor parts are often small and precise. How do you make sure a part is in tolerance before it moves on?

What they are checking: Whether they measure carefully with the right tools and check their own work.

What safety habits do you follow when using a manual lathe or mill?

What they are checking: Whether they respect hazards like loose clothing, chips and rotating parts.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Woodward from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Woodward.

0 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. • Estimated base pay: • Machinist I - $16.49 - $28.60 hourly • 2nd Shift Hours: 3:00pm-11:30pm • Training Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm first two weeks and then will train on 1st - 6:00am-2:30pm for a few months • All members included in 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, including floating 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 Are you ready to make your mark? If you’re a Machinist, we have an exciting opportunity for you. What you will be doing • Physical Activity: • Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, or bending; and lifting or moving objects. • Work is performed in an area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. • May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations. • Set up and operate one or more of the following machines: • Lathe Machines • Manual Machines • OD/ID Grinders • Complete paperwork while adhering to record retention requirements. • Document nonconforming material according to procedures, participate in activities to implement root cause and corrective actions identified. • Utilize work instructions, set-up sheets and method documents to correctly operate machines and inspect machined parts. • Utilize various gauging equipment to ensure conformance to the engineering specifications and standards through the production run. • Obtain certifications as necessary for required processes. What We Are Looking For • Machinist I: • High school diploma or equivalent required • 0-2 years’ experience in related work or applicable degree • General knowledge of machines and equipment functionality, and how tools could be used on such equipment/machines. This includes the ability to learn new systems quickly, understanding how parts relate, and how they impact system functionality. • Ability to operate and set up CNC equipment • Knowledge of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) programming/machining including the ability to read, understand, edit basic programs and/or basic knowledge of one or more of the following skills - grinding, turning, milling, drilling. 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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