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Gear Cutter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1648: Milling Machine Machinist 2

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

Perform machining tasks including compound angles, contours, boring, helical and spiral milling, serrating, gear cutting, spline cutting, and keyway operations. * Select, install, align, and adjust ...

... gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every ... Job Summary: The Tool Cutter Grinder performs precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or ...

Tool Cutter Grinder

Burbank, CA · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

... gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every ... Job Summary: The Tool Cutter Grinder performs precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or ...

... gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every ... Job Summary: The Tool Cutter Grinder performs precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or ...

... gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every ... Job Summary: The Tool Cutter Grinder performsprecision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or ...

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Gear Cutter information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do gear cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for gear cutter in California is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gear cutter?

A Gear Cutter is a skilled machinist who specializes in cutting and shaping gears used in mechanical systems. They operate milling machines, lathes, and specialized gear-cutting equipment to create gears with precise specifications. Gear Cutters must read technical blueprints, set up machines, and ensure accuracy through quality control checks. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the gear cutter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gear Cutter, you need a solid understanding of machining, blueprint reading, and precise measurement, often supported by technical or vocational training in manufacturing or machining. Proficiency with gear-cutting machines such as hobbing, shaping, and CNC equipment, along with experience using measuring instruments like micrometers and calipers, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to quality help Gear Cutters excel in producing high-precision components. These capabilities ensure gears meet strict mechanical specifications and contribute to the reliability of machinery in critical industries.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a gear cutter?

As a Gear Cutter, your day-to-day tasks often include interpreting technical drawings, setting up and operating gear-cutting machines, and inspecting finished products for adherence to exact measurements and quality standards. You may also perform routine machine maintenance, document production activities, and collaborate with engineers or quality control teams to solve production challenges. This hands-on role requires focus and adaptability, as you'll frequently switch between different gear types or projects. Gear Cutters play a crucial part in ensuring machinery functions efficiently, making their work vital to manufacturing operations.

What job categories do people searching Gear Cutter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Gear Cutter jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Gear Cutter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,726 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Milling Machine Machinist 2(2nd shift)

Prolim Global

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted just now


Job description

www.govt.prolim.com  Is hiring for federal client Northrup Grumman Milling Machine Machinist 2 palmdale,CA

Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Location: Palmdale, California
Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite | 2nd Shift (3:00 PM – 1:30 AM, Monday–Thursday)
Duration: Contract Position (12 Months)
Travel: Up to 10%
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required

Position Summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a highly skilled Milling Machine Machinist 2 to support Tooling Operations in Palmdale, California. The selected candidate will perform precision machining operations on CNC milling equipment to manufacture and modify aerospace tooling, fixtures, and production components while maintaining strict quality and tolerance requirements.

This position requires hands-on experience with CNC milling and turning equipment, machine setup, blueprint interpretation, tooling selection, and CNC programming. The ideal candidate will have experience producing complex aerospace parts and tooling in a high-precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate CNC horizontal, vertical, and universal milling machines.
  • Perform precision machining operations including contouring, boring, keyway cutting, spline cutting, gear cutting, serrating, and helical milling.
  • Determine machining sequences, setup requirements, tooling selection, and production methods.
  • Program, edit, and optimize CNC machining operations utilizing Mastercam (MCAM).
  • Select, install, align, and adjust machine attachments, cutting tools, fixtures, and work-holding devices.
  • Calculate and adjust machine speeds, feeds, cutting depths, and tool offsets.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, GD&T specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Perform layout work, measuring, marking, and scribing stock material for machining operations.
  • Utilize precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, and height gauges.
  • Verify product quality and dimensional accuracy throughout the machining process.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues and recommend process improvements.
  • Maintain compliance with quality, safety, and manufacturing standards.
  • Support tooling fabrication, repair, and modification activities.
Required Qualifications
  • 2–5 years of CNC machining experience.
  • Experience operating CNC milling machines.
  • Experience operating CNC lathes.
  • Experience programming and editing CNC programs using Mastercam (MCAM).
  • Ability to independently perform machine setups.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
  • Strong knowledge of machining practices, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
  • Experience working to close-tolerance requirements.
  • Proficiency using precision measuring equipment.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5-Axis CNC Machining experience.
  • SNK 5-Axis machining experience.
  • Live Tooling CNC Lathe experience.
  • Wire EDM experience.
  • Aerospace manufacturing experience.
  • Tooling and fixture fabrication experience.
  • GD&T interpretation experience.
  • Experience machining complex aerospace components.
Technical Skills
  • CNC Milling
  • CNC Turning
  • Mastercam Programming
  • Machine Setup & Operation
  • Blueprint Reading
  • GD&T
  • Precision Measurement
  • Tooling & Fixture Design
  • Aerospace Manufacturing
  • 5-Axis Machining
  • Wire EDM
  • Quality Inspection
  • Troubleshooting
  • Lean Manufacturing