Gear Specialist

** ABOUT JWC MACHINE AND FAB
** JWC Machine and Fab is a CNC precision machining shop in Mobile, AL specializing in tight-tolerance components for industrial customers. With a team of skilled machinists and a commitment to craftsmanship, JWC operates across a broad range of materials and part complexities — from standard production runs to challenging large-format and specialized work. We are growing deliberately, and every hire matters.
** POSITION SUMMARY
** This is a senior specialist role for a candidate with deep, hands-on expertise in gears and gear systems — someone who can look at a gear, identify it completely, determine how it was made, manufacture a replacement or repair, and inspect the finished product to spec. If you have spent years working with gears in a gearbox shop, marine or industrial repair environment, or precision gear manufacturing facility, this role was written for you.

This is not an operator role that occasionally handles gears. We are looking for a true subject-matter expert.
** RESPONSIBILITIES
* * Identify gear type, geometry, tooth count, pressure angle, pitch, and material from physical inspection or partial specification

Manufacture replacement gears or gear components using CNC and/or manual equipment

Inspect finished gears for tooth geometry, runout, surface finish, and dimensional compliance

Perform or support gear repair operations including tooth restoration, hub modifications, and bore/keyway work Interpret gear drawings and specifications, including AGMA standards and customer-supplied data Support the engineering team in reverse-engineering gear components from physical samples when drawings are unavailable

Advise on material selection, heat treatment requirements, and surface finishing for gear applications

Serve as the internal subject-matter expert on gear systems — training and mentoring junior staff over time
** QUALIFICATIONS
* * Extensive hands-on experience in gear manufacturing, gear repair, or gearbox rebuilding — this is the non-negotiable requirement

Ability to fully characterize a gear from inspection alone: type, pitch, pressure angle, tooth geometry, and material

Experience manufacturing gears using hobbing, grinding, shaping, or CNC multi-axis equipment

Proficiency with gear inspection methods and equipment: gear checkers, analytical CMM, lead/involute measurement

Working knowledge of AGMA gear quality standards

Blueprint reading and GD&T proficiency

Experience with large industrial or marine gearing a strong plus Candidates with formal apprenticeship, trade certification, or engineering background in gear manufacturing are strongly preferred
** A Note on This Search
** People with genuine gear expertise are rare and rarely looking for work. If you know someone who fits this profile — a recently retired gear specialist, a craftsman whose shop closed, or someone ready for a change — please share this posting. Relocation assistance is available and we will make a compensation offer that reflects what this skill is actually worth.
** COMPENSATION & BENEFITS**✦Competitive pay — based on experience and qualifications✦401(k) with 4% company match✦Health insurance — 100% company paid✦Annual performance bonus| | | |
* JWC Machine and Fab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates based on skill, experience, and demonstrated ability.
* You should be proficient in:

Bachelor's Degree Machines & technologies you'll use:

Turning LatheCNC Automation Solutions3D Modeling2D Drawings

CraneCAD Software CAM Software Calipers and Micrometers Gear Machinery