Gear Shop Machinist

Gear Shop Machinist

Performs complex, precision gear machining for aerospace components using specialized Gleason equipment. The Gear Shop Machinist independently sets up, operates, inspects, and troubleshoots gear manufacturing processes for bevel gears, Coniflex bevel gears, splines, and related components, carrying jobs from print and setup through in-process verification and final inspection handoff while maintaining strict quality, traceability, safety, and documentation requirements.

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and run production on Gleason #14 gear generator machines and Gleason 104 machines to produce bevel gears, Coniflex bevel gears, splines, and related components to engineering specifications.
• Perform precision testing and inspection using the Gleason #13 tester; interpret results and make process or machine adjustments as needed.
• Use gear analyzers and related metrology equipment to verify tooth geometry, contact patterns, dimensions, and overall part conformance.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, manufacturing instructions, and aerospace specifications.
• Independently manage end-to-end gear machining jobs, including tooling selection, machine setup, first-article runs, in-process checks, and final inspection handoff.
• Monitor process stability and part quality throughout production runs, identifying tool wear, drift, or process variation before it results in nonconforming product.
• Stop and escalate work when requirements are unclear or an unusual condition is identified; request verification from supervision, engineering, or quality when appropriate to protect quality and prevent scrap.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, inspection results, traceability records, and other records required by aerospace quality systems and customer requirements.
• Perform routine equipment care and basic machine maintenance, and maintain a clean, organized, safe, and audit-ready work area.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, planning, and other machinists to troubleshoot technical issues, improve processes, and support new or changing programs.
• Support knowledge transfer and cross-training of less-experienced machinists when qualified to do so.
• 8+ years of machining experience, including at least 5 years of hands-on gear machining experience.
• Demonstrated experience machining bevel gears, Coniflex bevel gears, and splines.
• Proficiency setting up and operating Gleason #14 gear generator machines and Gleason 104 machines.
• Experience performing testing and inspection using the Gleason #13 tester.
• Working knowledge of gear analyzers, gear inspection equipment, gear geometry, and precision measurement methods.
• Strong ability to read engineering drawings, interpret GD&T, and consistently work to tight aerospace tolerances.
• Working knowledge of geometry and trigonometry as applied to gear cutting and machining.
• Experience working within aerospace quality systems such as AS9100 or equivalent controlled manufacturing environments.
• Ability to independently plan and execute setups, recognize abnormal conditions, troubleshoot problems, and determine when work should be paused for verification.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school education in machining or manufacturing technology is preferred.
• Experience with additional gear manufacturing processes or equipment, including hobbing, shaping, grinding, or lapping, is preferred.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, safely operate machine tools and inspection equipment, and lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work safely in a precision manufacturing environment.
• The successful candidate must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by applicable ITAR regulations.