Gear Cutter Machinist

Spiral & Straight Bevel Gear Cutter / Gear Machinist - $25-$35/hr DOE!

This is a direct hire opportunity!

We are seeking a skilled Spiral & Straight Bevel Gear Cutter / Gear Machinist to join our manufacturing team immediately. Compensation is set between $25 and $35 per hour, depending on your experience, and you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package upon hire.

A well-established industrial gear manufacturing and repair facility is looking for a seasoned Spiral and/or Straight Bevel Gear Cutter
. This position requires a hands‑on professional capable of managing the full cycle of bevel gear set production, from initial setup to final inspection and development.

The right individual will possess a deep understanding of bevel gear geometry and demonstrate the ability to independently prepare equipment, manufacture high-quality gear sets, analyze tooth contact patterns, and perform necessary adjustments. Proficiency with Gleason bevel gear machinery is highly preferred.

This role focuses on custom, repair-oriented, reverse‑engineered, and low‑volume manufacturing rather than repetitive production work. Because many projects involve working from worn components or existing samples, the role demands strong troubleshooting skills, sound judgment, and a comprehensive grasp of gear‑cutting processes.

• Configure and manage Gleason bevel gear‑cutting machinery.
• Manufacture both spiral and straight bevel gear types.
• Optimize machine parameters for various gear sizes, ratios, tooth geometries, and specific applications.
• Analyze gear prints, job summaries, setup instructions, and technical data to ensure production accuracy.
• Calculate and apply the necessary cutting and machine parameters for each project.
• Select, mount, and calibrate cutters, tooling, and auxiliary equipment.
• Establish precise tooth depth, tooth thickness, backlash, and optimal cutting conditions to ensure high‑quality output.
• Monitor gear quality throughout the machining process and perform final inspections.
• Verify gear quality and mesh integrity using specialized Gleason testing equipment.
• Assess tooth contact and bearing patterns between mating gear sets to ensure smooth operation.
• Refine machine settings and setups to enhance gear contact patterns and overall performance.
• Collaborate with engineering and machining staff to support reverse‑engineered gear projects.
• Assist in evaluating whether damaged, worn, or customer‑supplied gears can be successfully reproduced.
• Document setup and manufacturing details thoroughly to facilitate future repeat work.
• Identify and resolve issues related to cutting, setup, tooth‑contact, and gear‑mesh.
• Maintain gear department equipment, tooling, and overall workspace organization.

The gear department is equipped with a variety of Gleason cutting, testing, and sharpening machinery, including:

• Gleason #7A Gear Cutters
• Gleason #12 Gear Cutters
• Gleason #14 Coniflex Gear Cutters
• Gleason #16 Gear Cutters
• Gleason #26 Gear Cutter
• Gleason #6, #13A, #14A, #17, and #27 Gear Testers
• Gleason cutter‑sharpening equipment

Broadview, IL

• Overtime as needed.

• Prior experience in bevel gear cutting is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Gleason gear‑cutting machines is strongly preferred.
• Experience with spiral bevel gear cutting is highly desirable.
• Experience with straight bevel and/or Coniflex gear cutting is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of bevel gear geometry, terminology, and fundamental gear‑cutting principles.
• Ability to independently manage the setup and operation of gear‑cutting equipment.
• Proficiency in reading gear drawings, setup sheets, and machine‑setting documentation.
• Knowledge of tooth contact patterns, backlash, and proper gear mesh requirements.
• Expe…