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Gear Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gear Machinist

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Gear Machinist Opening for a permanent, full-time Gear Machinist to produce gear-related components for a mechanical power transmission company in Franklin Park, Illinois. This role involves ...

Gear Machinist

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Gear Machinist Western Precision Aero, LLP, WPA located in Garden Grove, California, is a manufacturer of precision machined components and assemblies for the aerospace and industrial markets. We are ...

We are looking for a skilled Gear Machinist to join our machine shop. In this role, you will work closely with engineering and production teams to design, produce, and inspect precision gears and ...

Gear Machinist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

We are looking for a skilled Gear Machinist to join our machine shop. In this role, you will work closely with engineering and production teams to design, produce, and inspect precision gears and ...

Gear Machinist II, 2nd Shift

Twinsburg, OH

$20.50 - $28/hr

Perform machine set ups as required. * Sets up and operates one or more gear shaping machines to machine splines or gear teeth in metal blanks, according to machining instructions and knowledge of ...

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Join our dynamic team at Northern Gear in Muskego, WI, as a Full-Time CNC Gear Setup Machinist! This exciting opportunity allows you to work onsite, engaging directly with state-of-the-art machinery ...

Urgent

Be Seen First

Join our dynamic team at Northern Gear in Muskego, WI, as a Full-Time CNC Gear Setup Machinist! This exciting opportunity allows you to work onsite, engaging directly with state-of-the-art machinery ...

Urgent

Northern Gear & Machining is seeking experienced CNC Operator/Machinist for 1st & 2nd Shifts to collaborate with a team dedicated to the success of our customers. There is a $2 shift premium for 2nd ...

Northern Gear & Machining is seeking experienced CNC Operator/Machinist for 1st & 2nd Shifts to collaborate with a team dedicated to the success of our customers. There is a $2 shift premium for 2nd ...

Gear Grinding Machinist

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

```html Gear Grinding Machinist Location: Roscoe, IL, 61073 We are seeking a skilled Gear Grinding Machinist to join our team in Roscoe, IL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with CNC ...

Swiss CNC Set-up Machinist

Muskego, WI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

May need to compute gear dimensions or machine settings. * Verifies conformance of parts to specifications using micrometers, gages, and computerized gear checker. * Comply with all work instructions ...

May need to compute gear dimensions or machine settings. * Verifies conformance of parts to specifications using micrometers, gages, and computerized gear checker. * Comply with all work instructions ...

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Gear Machinist information

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$12

$31

$48

How much do gear machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for gear machinist in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are gear machinists?

Gear machinists are skilled tradespeople who operate specialized machines to manufacture gears used in various mechanical systems, such as automobiles, industrial equipment, and aerospace components. Their job involves reading blueprints, setting up and adjusting gear-cutting machines, conducting precision measurements, and ensuring gears meet exact specifications. Gear machinists play a crucial role in producing high-quality, reliable gears essential for the smooth functioning of machinery. They must have strong attention to detail and knowledge of different gear types and machining techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gear Machinist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gear Machinist, you need a solid understanding of mechanical principles, blueprint reading, and machining processes, typically supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship in machining. Familiarity with CNC machines, gear cutting tools, precision measuring instruments, and relevant safety protocols is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and efficiency in the manufacturing process. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality gears that meet exact specifications, minimizing errors, and maintaining safety standards in an industrial setting.

What Is a Gear Machinist?

A gear machinist is a skilled operator who cuts gears from castings or gear blanks. As a gear machinist, you must know how to read work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, and drawings to determine machining parameters. Once you have confirmed the specifications, you program the mill and lathe by installing and adjusting jaw chucks, tolls, attachments, and stock pushers. A gear machinist’s duties include operating computer numerical control (CNC) gear machining equipment, including a direct numerical control (DNC) hobber, Reishauer gear grinder, and gear shaper. You may also be responsible for ordering and replenishing inventory of materials.

What are some common challenges a Gear Machinist faces when working with precision components?

Gear Machinists often encounter challenges related to maintaining tight tolerances required for high-precision gears, especially when working with complex or custom designs. Variations in material properties and machine calibration can impact the quality of finished gears, requiring careful setup and frequent quality checks. Collaborating closely with quality control inspectors and engineers is essential to address any deviations and ensure gears meet strict industry standards. Staying up to date with modern machining techniques and troubleshooting equipment issues are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Gear Machinist vs Gear Cutter?

AspectGear MachinistGear Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, machining certificationsHigh school diploma, machining certifications
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, manufacturing plantsMachine shops, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageDesign, produce, and inspect gearsOperate gear cutting machines to produce gears
Job FocusSetting up and maintaining gear machining equipmentCutting gears directly using gear cutting machines

Gear Machinists and Gear Cutters both work in gear manufacturing, often in similar environments. However, Gear Machinists typically oversee the entire gear production process, including setup and inspection, while Gear Cutters focus specifically on operating gear cutting machines to produce gears. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in gear manufacturing industries.

What cities are hiring for Gear Machinist jobs? Cities with the most Gear Machinist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gear Machinist jobs? The most popular types of Gear Machinist jobs are:
What states have the most Gear Machinist jobs? States with the most job openings for Gear Machinist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Gear Machinist jobs? For Gear Machinist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gear Machinist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,612 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Gear Machinist

Gear Machinist

RINGSPANN Corporation

Franklin Park, IL • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Gear Machinist

Opening for a permanent, full-time Gear Machinist to produce gear-related components for a mechanical power transmission company in Franklin Park, Illinois. This role involves fixturing, setting up, operating, and training colleagues on CNC gear hobbing and shaping machines.  Must be able to read blueprints and GD&T, and inspecting parts to ensure required tooth geometry and quality.

Job duties:

  • Plan gear machining operations by studying work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, materials, specifications, and machining parameters; interpreting geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T) and gear data.
  • Help select gear cutting tools and optimize performance based on required quality and production times. 
  • Set up and operate gear cutting machines; load programs or set change gears/tooling as required; establish part datums and verify correct tooth form and spacing.
  • Set up workholding (arbors, fixtures, centers, chucks), cutters (hobs, shaper cutters, form tools), and tooling; set tool offsets and cutter heights; ensure proper coolant and guarding.
  • Safely operate a variety of material handling equipment.
  • Verify set-ups by completing first-article inspections and in-process checks; measure gear features using appropriate tools (micrometers, calipers, indicator set-ups, over-pins/over-wires, composite checking, runout and tooth thickness methods).
  • Maintain specifications by monitoring cutting and finishing operations; adjusting feeds/speeds, cutter condition, and offsets; troubleshooting issues such as chatter, burrs, lead/profile error, and surface finish; replacing worn tools; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
  • Perform secondary operations as required (deburr, chamfer, drill/tap, keyways/splines) and coordinate with heat treat and grinding operations to achieve final gear quality.
  • Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Maintain equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions.
  • Maintain continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Document actions by completing production logs and inspection records.
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications.
  • Accomplish organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
  • Participate in plant-wide continuous improvement activities.

Skills and Qualification requirements:

  • Conceptual skills
  • Process development and improvement
  • Verbal communication
  • Functional and technical skills
  • Gear manufacturing knowledge (hobbing/shaping; tooth geometry; module/DP, pressure angle, backlash)
  • Ability to read and apply engineering drawings, GD&T, and gear inspection requirements
  • Inspection and measurement skills (over pins/wires, composite checking, runout, surface finish, basic CMM concepts)
  • Tooling and cutter selection (hobs, shaper cutters, form tools) and basic feeds/speeds knowledge
  • Controls and instrumentation (experience with CNC gear machines and/or related controls)
  • Computer skills
  • Supply management
  • Coordination
  • Attention to detail
  • Sound judgment
  • Experience with Fanuc or comparable controls

General requirements:

  • Must have 3-5 years experience with gear manufacturing equipment (e.g., hobbing, shaping, deburr/chamfer, and related inspection)
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S.A.
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Enthusiastic
  • Eager to learn
  • Punctual
  • Takes direction well
  • Self-starter
  • Team orientated
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Must pass a drug test prior to any formal employment offer

General:

  • Pay dependent upon experience and skill level
  • Shift hours: Flexible
  • Employment type: Full-time Regular
  • Hours per week: 40
  • Overtime available: Yes
  • On-the-job training: Yes

Benefits*

  • PPO/POS medical plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Disability
  • Contributing 401K

*Benefits subject to change