Gear Cutter Machinist

Accelera; Broadview (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera in Broadview, IL is seeking a seasoned Spiral and Straight Bevel Gear Cutter / Gear Machinist to own the bevel gear production cycle from setup to inspection. This hands-on role focuses on custom, repair-oriented, reverse-engineered, and low-volume work rather than repetitive production.

The ideal candidate has deep bevel geometry knowledge, can independently prepare equipment, set up Gleason machinery, and ensure high-quality gear sets with precise tooth geometry and mesh patterns.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in bevel gear cutting is required.
• Proficiency with Gleason gear-cutting machines is strongly preferred.
• Experience with spiral and/or straight bevel gear cutting is desirable.
• Deep understanding of bevel gear geometry and gear-cutting principles.

Responsibilities

• Configure and manage Gleason bevel gear-cutting machinery.
• Manufacture spiral and straight bevel gear types.
• Analyze gear prints and data to ensure production accuracy.
• Set cutting and machine parameters for each project.
• Inspect gear quality and verify tooth mesh and patterns.
• Collaborate with engineering for reverse-engineered gear projects.
• Document setup and manufacturing details for repeat work.

Skills

Bevel gear geometry

Troubleshooting

Independent setup

Gear measurement

Tools

Gleason gear-cutting machines

Gleason testing equipment

Cutter-sharpening equipment

Job description

Spiral & Straight Bevel Gear Cutter / Gear Machinist - $25-$35/hr DOE!

This is a direct hire opportunity!

We are seeking a skilled Spiral & Straight Bevel Gear Cutter / Gear Machinist to join our manufacturing team immediately. Compensation is set between $25 and $35 per hour, depending on your experience, and you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package upon hire.

Core Responsibilities:

A well-established industrial gear manufacturing and repair facility is looking for a seasoned Spiral and/or Straight Bevel Gear Cutter. This position requires a hands‑on professional capable of managing the full cycle of bevel gear set production, from initial setup to final inspection and development.

The right individual will possess a deep understanding of bevel gear geometry and demonstrate the ability to independently prepare equipment, manufacture high-quality gear sets, analyze tooth contact patterns, and perform necessary adjustments. Proficiency with Gleason bevel gear machinery is highly preferred.

This role focuses on custom, repair-oriented, reverse‑engineered, and low‑volume manufacturing rather than repetitive production work. Because many projects involve working from worn components or existing samples, the role demands strong troubleshooting skills, sound judgment, and a comprehensive grasp of gear‑cutting processes.

• Configure and manage Gleason bevel gear‑cutting machinery.
• Manufacture both spiral and straight bevel gear types.
• Optimize machine parameters for various gear sizes, ratios, tooth geometries, and specific applications.
• Analyze gear prints, job summaries, setup instructions, and technical data to ensure production accuracy.
• Calculate and apply the necessary cutting and machine parameters for each project.
• Select, mount, and calibrate cutters, tooling, and auxiliary equipment.
• Establish precise tooth depth, tooth thickness, backlash, and optimal cutting conditions to ensure high‑quality output.
• Monitor gear quality throughout the machining process and perform final inspections.
• Verify gear quality and mesh integrity using specialized Gleason testing equipment.
• Assess tooth contact and bearing patterns between mating gear sets to ensure smooth operation.
• Refine machine settings and setups to enhance gear contact patterns and overall performance.
• Collaborate with engineering and machining staff to support reverse‑engineered gear projects.
• Assist in evaluating whether damaged, worn, or customer‑supplied gears can be successfully reproduced.
• Document setup and manufacturing details thoroughly to facilitate future repeat work.
• Identify and resolve issues related to cutting, setup, tooth‑contact, and gear‑mesh.
• Maintain gear department equipment, tooling, and overall workspace organization.

Equipment:

The gear department is equipped with a variety of Gleason cutting, testing, and sharpening machinery, including:

• Gleason #7A Gear Cutters
• Gleason #12 Gear Cutters
• Gleason #14 Coniflex Gear Cutters
• Gleason #16 Gear Cutters
• Gleason #26 Gear Cutter
• Gleason #6, #13A, #14A, #17, and #27 Gear Testers
• Gleason cutter‑sharpening equipment

Location:

Broadview, IL

• Overtime as needed.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in bevel gear cutting is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Gleason gear‑cutting machines is strongly preferred.
• Experience with spiral bevel gear cutting is highly desirable.
• Experience with straight bevel and/or Coniflex gear cutting is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of bevel gear geometry, terminology, and fundamental gear‑cutting principles.
• Ability to independently manage the setup and operation of gear‑cutting equipment.
• Proficiency in reading gear drawings, setup sheets, and machine‑setting documentation.
• Knowledge of tooth contact patterns, backlash, and proper gear mesh requirements.
• Experience utilizing Gleason gear‑testing equipment is a significant advantage.
• Cutter‑sharpening experience is considered a plus.
• Experience with reverse engineering, industrial repair, or custom gear manufacturing is preferred.
• Ability to utilize precision inspection equipment, including micrometers, indicators, height gauges, and related measuring tools.

Ideal Candidate:

This position is designed for an experienced gear cutter rather than a production machine operator. The successful candidate will manage the entire manufacturing process, from reviewing requirements and preparing equipment to cutting, inspecting, and adjusting gear sets for optimal performance.

Experience with older manual Gleason equipment is highly valued. Given the nature of the work—which includes industrial repair, reverse engineering, and low‑volume production—the ideal candidate will be resourceful, detail‑oriented, and capable of solving unique manufacturing challenges.