Gear Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gear Grinder

Flender is a leading global supplier for mechanical drive systems and has the reputation for highest performance, innovation, quality, and reliability of mechanical components for 125 years.

We're now hiring a talented Gear Grinder for our team in Elgin, IL on a full-time basis. If you're eager for your next challenge, Flender is a great place to grow your career.

This position typically requires 8+ years of experience in precision grinding or a similar field and 3+ years specifically in profile grinding of gears or gear-related components. Working with minimal technical supervision, the Skilled Gear Grinder performs complex set-ups and grinding operations on profile gear grinding machines to produce and finish gears and gear components to very close tolerances and stringent quality requirements.

The employee independently:

• Interprets blueprints, process sheets, and work instructions
• Selects and mounts workholding, grinding wheels, and dressing tools
• Programs/edits CNC profile grinding cycles as required
• Determines operation sequences and grinding strategies
• Performs in-process inspection and makes necessary corrections to maintain tolerances

The Skilled Gear Grinder uses all required precision measuring equipment, and understands gear geometry (e.g., involute profile, lead, pitch)

At this level the employee acts as a technical resource for less experienced grinders and machinists, provides on-the-job training to new employees, actively participates in process improvements, and has a proven track record of improvement submissions.

May perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. May be required to oversee quality, workmanship and training of fellow team members and, as assigned, perform the role of lead person.

Essential Job Functions:

• Set-Up & Operation – Profile Gear Grinding Machines
• Programming and Process Definition
• Inspection, Measurement & Documentation
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
• Machine Care, Maintenance & Housekeeping
• Barkhausen Noise
• Training & Support of Others
• Cross-Training and Flexibility
• Communication & Teamwork
• Production Planning & Performance
• Safety & Compliance
• Continuous Improvement Participation
• Marginal Job Functions

Necessary Prior Experience:

• Experience as a CNC or conventional grinder, gear machinist, or similar precision machining role.
• Demonstrated experience in profile grinding of gears or gear-type components, including reading gear drawings and inspection records.
• Experience working with alloy and case-hardened steels, including awareness of grinding burn and microstructural damage.

Amount of Experience (Typical):

• Precision or CNC grinding / gear machining: 8+ years
• Profile gear grinding (primary process): 3+ years

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an apprenticeship, vocational training, or technical degree in machining, toolmaking, or related field preferred.

Physical Demands Analysis:

• Standing Stationary: C
• Moving About: C
• Sitting: O
• Lifting (Push/Pull Stationary): O
• Carrying (Push/Pull Moving About): O
• Visual Requirements: C
• Environmental Factors Analysis:

• Works Alone: F
• Works With/Others Around Others: C
• Shift Work: F
• Extended Day Work: F
• Inside: C
• Outside: O
• Extreme Hot/Cold: O
• Noise: F
• Mechanical Equipment: C
• Electrical Equipment: F
• Moving Objects: C
• Fumes/Odors, Dirt/Dust, Gases: O

Training Requirements for Proficiency in Job:

• EH&S safety training according to the EH&S training matrix for this job.
• Crane operation and safety.
• Fork truck safety and operation.
• Proper use of chains, shackles, straps, and compliance with the rigging inspection/tagging SOP.
• Wood and recyclable material disposal per plant standards.
• ISO basics and applicable quality management (QM) documentation.
• Internal and advanced work standards relevant to gear grinding.
• Blueprint and gear drawing reading (gear data, tolerances, GD&T).
• Parts identification and use of part lists and SAP (or other ERP) transactions.
• Measuring equipment use, including gear measuring equipment, micrometers, vernier calipers, bore gages, and form/lead testers.
• Barkhausen noise analysis device – operation and basic interpretation for grinding burn detection (training will be provided)

Pay Range: $35-$40/hour based on experience.

Flender as an employer offers:

• Paid Time Off (18 Days)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401k (6% Employer Match)
• Employee Assistance Program

Your contact person(s) for this job posting is/are:

AnnMarie Day