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Shaper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horsburgh and Scott

Shaper Operator, Gears

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Shaper operators must be capable of handling large and heavy gear blanks to load onto machines and unload using overhead cranes. Gear blanks need to be guided for location on fixtures, aligned and ...

The West End Bakery

Bread Shaper Baker

Asheville, NC · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Bread Shaper to join our dynamic team in a high-volume production kitchen. The ideal candidate will have a passion for artisanal bread-making, with a focus on ...

Key Personnel

Shaper 2nd Shift

Holland, MI

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

As a Shaper you will operate hand tools that shape Structural Insulated Panels following blueprint specifications as the finishing process prior to wrapping and shipment. This position is responsible ...

W3Global Inc.

CNC Gear Shaper Machinist

Hudson, WI

$28 - $42/hr

Set up and operate CNC gear shaping machines (e.g., Fellows, Liebherr, Mitsubishi, or equivalent) for high-volume and short-run production * Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, GD&T ...

Key Personnel

3rd shift SIPs Shaper

Holland, MI · On-site

As a Shaper you will operate hand tools that shape Structural Insulated Panels following blueprint specifications as the finishing process prior to wrapping and shipment. This position is responsible ...

Shaper

Venture Builder-in-Residence

At Shaper Capital, we're on a mission to partner with incredible people to build companies that shape the world. Shaper Capital was founded by Travis May, who led the two biggest data companies ...

Forest City Gear

Gear Shaping Technician

Roscoe, IL

$18 - $42/hr

Capable of set-up and operate shaper machines and vertical/horizontal hob equipment to produce quality products and generate gear data requirements for all customer opportunities. Essential Job ...

Pyrotek

Large Shapes Specialist (Casting)

Cortland, NY · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00pm The role of large shapes specialist is to operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of refractory into molds. Facilitate the safe and efficient ...

Pyrotek

Large Shapes Specialist (Casting)

Cortland, NY

$21 - $31/hr

Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00pm The role of large shapes specialist is to operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of refractory into molds. Facilitate the safe and efficient ...

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How much do shaper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for shaper in the United States is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Shaper, you need strong technical skills in shaping materials (such as wood, metal, or composites), precise measurement abilities, and often a vocational qualification or apprenticeship in the relevant trade. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and possibly CNC machinery or CAD software is commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication with team members are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, high-quality craftsmanship and efficient production in manufacturing or custom fabrication environments.

How to make $80,000 a year without a degree?

A shaper can earn $80,000 or more annually by gaining specialized skills, building experience, and working in high-demand environments such as manufacturing or custom fabrication. Developing proficiency with tools like CNC machines and obtaining relevant certifications can increase earning potential without a degree.

What are some common challenges faced by Shapers when working with different materials, and how can they be addressed?

Shapers often encounter challenges when working with a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or composites, due to differences in hardness, grain structure, and response to cutting tools. Adjusting machine settings, selecting the appropriate cutting blades, and maintaining sharpness are crucial to achieving precise results. Regularly inspecting materials for defects and adapting techniques based on experience can help minimize errors and ensure high-quality finishes. Collaboration with other team members, such as designers or quality inspectors, can also provide valuable insights and ensure that specifications are met.

What Is the Job of a Shaper?

A shaper works in the baking industry to shape the dough and prepare it to bake in an oven. As a shaper, your responsibilities include forming the bread or other bakery products to ensure a uniform shape and even cooking during the baking process. You may work with products such as bagels, baguettes, challah, ciabatta, and other bread. You communicate with bakers and mixers during your shift to ensure that you meet all shaping requirements for each product and that you can organize your workflow. Your duties may also include testing dough consistency and performing other quality control tasks.

What jobs can you get with a sculpting degree?

A sculpting degree can qualify you for careers such as professional sculptor, art instructor, museum or gallery curator, or set designer. These roles often require strong artistic skills, knowledge of materials and tools, and sometimes additional certifications or experience in art conservation or installation.

What are shapers?

Shapers are skilled professionals who operate shaping machines to cut and shape metal, wood, or other materials into precise dimensions and forms. They use specialized tools and equipment to create parts for machinery, construction, or manufacturing purposes. Shapers interpret blueprints or technical drawings, set up machines, and ensure that finished products meet required specifications. Attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and safety awareness are essential skills for this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

For a Shaper, high daily earnings of around $2,000 are typically associated with specialized roles such as experienced project managers, construction managers, or skilled tradespeople working on large-scale projects. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience, and may involve working in demanding environments or on contract basis. Such high daily rates are less common in entry-level or general roles.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A shaper, typically in the context of skilled trades like woodworking or surfboard shaping, usually does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills and experience. High earnings in such roles are rare and often require a strong reputation, business acumen, or working in high-end custom markets. Most jobs that pay $10,000 monthly without a degree are in sales, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades with significant experience or client base.

What is the difference between Shaper vs Carpenter?

AspectShaperCarpenter
Required CredentialsTypically vocational training or certification in woodworking or machine operationHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, workshops, or construction sites; involves machine operation and precision workConstruction sites, residential and commercial buildings; involves manual carpentry and finishing
Industry UsageUsed mainly in manufacturing, furniture making, and industrial settingsCommon in construction, renovation, and custom woodworking projects

The main difference between a Shaper and a Carpenter lies in their work focus and environment. Shapers operate specialized woodworking machines in industrial settings, focusing on shaping and machining wood components. Carpenters perform manual construction and finishing tasks on-site, working with a variety of materials. Both roles require woodworking skills, but their work environments and specific tasks differ significantly.

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Shaper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shaper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,506 per year, or $18 per hour.

Shaper Operator, Gears

Horsburgh and Scott

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Horsburgh & Scott company has over 140 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and maintaining gearboxes in heavy-duty applications around the world. We are experiencing market growth and need dedicated, quality employees to be part of our team. We are currently searching for experienced candidates for the following position, Gear Shaper Operator, 1st shift or 2nd shift in our Cleveland, Ohio facility
Shaper Operator, Gears
Position Summary
The Shaper Operator is a skilled technician who operates gear cutting machines to manufacture precision gears used in various mechanical systems. They set up, adjust, and run machines such as hobbing, gashing, and shaping machines, to produce gears according to detailed engineering specifications.
Key Responsibilities
  • The ability to read and understand engineering drawings / blueprints. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to machine parts and determine product dimensions and tolerances.
  • Select the proper tooling for the designated operation / part / machine.
  • Shaper operators must be capable of handling large and heavy gear blanks to load onto machines and unload using overhead cranes. Gear blanks need to be guided for location on fixtures, aligned and properly clamped to fixtures so that the parts will not shift while hobbing. Some overhead and extended reach motion may be required to secure parts and cutting tools to machines and to machine tables.
  • Line up production parts and tooling by calculating dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, gage blocks and calipers.
  • Maximize feeds and speeds to produce a quality product, as the specific operation requires, in the most cost-effective manner.
  • Shaper Operator will be self-motivated to initiate continuous improvements, implementing cost saving methods for machine set-up and operation.
  • Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
  • Machine parts to specifications.
  • Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
  • The Shaper Operator will operate several vertical gear shaping machines.
  • Set up gear cutting machines by selecting and installing appropriate tools and fixtures
  • Operate machines to cut, shape, and finish gears using processes such as hobbing, gashing, or shaping
  • Monitor machine operations to ensure accuracy and quality of gears produced
  • Inspect finished gears using precision measuring tools like gear tooth calipers, micrometers, and gauges
  • Perform in-process quality checks and verify critical dimensions to ensure compliance with engineering tolerances
  • Maintain machine cleanliness and perform routine preventive maintenance and daily operator care and cleaning of gear cutting equipment
  • Document production data, inspection results, and any nonconformances; promptly communicate machine or quality issues to supervision
  • Collaborate with quality, engineering, and production teams to ensure proper interpretation of requirements and continuous process improvement
  • Train and mentor junior operators as needed
  • Adherent to all safety procedures, including proper rigging and handling of large and heavy components

Education & Experience
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: 2-5 years of experience shaping gears or related machine shop equipment
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints
  • Must be physically capable of performing duties throughout shift.
  • Must be a team player and should possess good communication skills.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
  • This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on large-scale, high-value components in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

#Deliver the Difference and Build Your Career with an Industry Leader
#Build the Gears That Power Industry. Join Horsburgh & Scott
#Join a Team with 140+ Years of Manufacturing Excellence
#Not Just a Job: A Career Building World-Class Gearing & Gearboxes
www.horsburgh-scott.com

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