Woodward, Inc.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated
Chemical/Mechanical Engineer
with expertise in aviation fuels and the physics of jet fuels to join our team. In this role, you will lead cutting-edge research and development initiatives focused on fuel system design, engine controls hardware, and advanced aviation fuel technologies. You will serve as Woodward’s technical authority for aviation fuel research, guiding efforts in areas such as thermal stability, alternative fuel validation, surface lubricity, coatings and surface effects, and other fuel‑related properties critical to aviation hardware applications. This role also includes being a key representative to the aviation and fuels industry, participating in conferences, working groups, and consortiums to foster innovation and collaboration.
Compensation and Benefits
Estimated annual base pay: $114,400.00 (minimum) - $143,000.00 (midpoint) - $171,600.00 (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, 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
Key Responsibilities
Lead research efforts on thermal stability, lubricity, friction, and surface interactions of jet fuels
Understand and validate alternative aviation fuels, verifying compliance with industry standards and impact on performance requirements
Innovate and evaluate coatings and treatments to enhance fuel system performance and durability
Apply knowledge of jet fuel physics to improve fuel system performance and reliability
Evaluate the impact of various fuel properties on system and hardware operation under extreme conditions
Serve as a key point of contact to the aviation and fuels industry by representing Woodward at conferences, industry working groups, and consortiums
Present technical findings, foster collaboration, and influence industry standards and practices where applicable
Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, fuel suppliers, and research institutions
Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on fuel-related projects
Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence
Drive continuous improvement in fuel system development processes and methodologies
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (required); Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field (preferred)
Experience: 5–10 years of experience in aviation fuels, jet fuel physics, or related fields; demonstrated expertise in thermal stability, alternative fuel validation, or fuel system design; experience with coatings, lubricity, or friction studies is highly desirable
Technical Skills: Understanding of the chemistry and physics of jet fuels; knowledge of aviation fuel standards (e.g., ASTM D1655, DEF STAN 91-091) and alternative fuel certifications; proficiency in fuel testing methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis; background or understanding of fuels manufacturing; effective written and verbal communication skills, including presentations; solid technical writing skills; competent skills in complex problem solving and troubleshooting; familiarity with fuel system hardware, controls, and materials science
Soft Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills; excellent collaboration and networking skills to engage with industry partners and stakeholders; proven ability to lead projects and work effectively in cross‑disciplinary teams
Why Join Us?
Be at the forefront of innovation in aviation fuels and fuel systems
Collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of sustainable aviation
Work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment with opportunities for professional growth
Contribute to advancing cutting‑edge technologies that impact global aviation
Application window is anticipated to close 30 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.
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, and local laws.
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Chemical/Mechanical Engineer
with expertise in aviation fuels and the physics of jet fuels to join our team. In this role, you will lead cutting-edge research and development initiatives focused on fuel system design, engine controls hardware, and advanced aviation fuel technologies. You will serve as Woodward’s technical authority for aviation fuel research, guiding efforts in areas such as thermal stability, alternative fuel validation, surface lubricity, coatings and surface effects, and other fuel‑related properties critical to aviation hardware applications. This role also includes being a key representative to the aviation and fuels industry, participating in conferences, working groups, and consortiums to foster innovation and collaboration.
Compensation and Benefits
Estimated annual base pay: $114,400.00 (minimum) - $143,000.00 (midpoint) - $171,600.00 (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, 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
Key Responsibilities
Lead research efforts on thermal stability, lubricity, friction, and surface interactions of jet fuels
Understand and validate alternative aviation fuels, verifying compliance with industry standards and impact on performance requirements
Innovate and evaluate coatings and treatments to enhance fuel system performance and durability
Apply knowledge of jet fuel physics to improve fuel system performance and reliability
Evaluate the impact of various fuel properties on system and hardware operation under extreme conditions
Serve as a key point of contact to the aviation and fuels industry by representing Woodward at conferences, industry working groups, and consortiums
Present technical findings, foster collaboration, and influence industry standards and practices where applicable
Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, fuel suppliers, and research institutions
Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on fuel-related projects
Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence
Drive continuous improvement in fuel system development processes and methodologies
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (required); Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field (preferred)
Experience: 5–10 years of experience in aviation fuels, jet fuel physics, or related fields; demonstrated expertise in thermal stability, alternative fuel validation, or fuel system design; experience with coatings, lubricity, or friction studies is highly desirable
Technical Skills: Understanding of the chemistry and physics of jet fuels; knowledge of aviation fuel standards (e.g., ASTM D1655, DEF STAN 91-091) and alternative fuel certifications; proficiency in fuel testing methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis; background or understanding of fuels manufacturing; effective written and verbal communication skills, including presentations; solid technical writing skills; competent skills in complex problem solving and troubleshooting; familiarity with fuel system hardware, controls, and materials science
Soft Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills; excellent collaboration and networking skills to engage with industry partners and stakeholders; proven ability to lead projects and work effectively in cross‑disciplinary teams
Why Join Us?
Be at the forefront of innovation in aviation fuels and fuel systems
Collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of sustainable aviation
Work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment with opportunities for professional growth
Contribute to advancing cutting‑edge technologies that impact global aviation
Application window is anticipated to close 30 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.
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, and local laws.
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