At Woodward, we don’t just dream about innovation — we make it happen. Gerardo Perez-Ocana, a Machinist III in Niles, Illinois, is a perfect example of how passion, dedication, and support can lead to incredible growth. Gerardo started as an associate and, through hard work and the resources provided by Woodward, progressed to the highest-level machinist.
“We have teams that will help you improve your knowledge, we have classes, people that will train you and make you become better at your job,” Gerardo explained. “So there is growth in Woodward.”
Beyond professional development, Gerardo finds meaning in the work he does, designing energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. “We make stuff that flies. Stuff that when you’re a little kid you look and wonder, ‘oh my god, how does that happen?’ And then we make it here. We make it happen here,” he said.
What truly sets Woodward apart, according to Gerardo, is the sense of community and family. “We’re here not as just coworkers or friends; we make a bond and a family out of each other. We take care of each other and we help each other, and it’s a good environment to work in,” he shared.
We don’t just create world-class technologies; we create opportunities for growth and connections that last a lifetime.
