Gear Engineer

Qualified Staffing; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

QPT is seeking a Lead Gear Engineer to advance gear-manufacturing operations. You will lead the gear design and production effort, mentor a manufacturing cell, and drive process improvements to reduce scrap and improve throughput.

Responsibilities include programming gear grinders, validating gear designs with KIMoS and KISSsoft, preparing PPAPs, and coaching team members to achieve high performance and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering is required.
• 10+ years hands-on gear design and production experience.
• Experience with PFMEA/DFMEA development and gear testing.

Responsibilities

• Program, optimize, and troubleshoot gear grinding equipment (Oerlikon G-Series, Kapp Niles VX-Series).
• Support development of hypoid and spiral bevel gears using KIMoS.
• Program and troubleshoot inspection systems (Klingelnberg P-Series).
• Prepare PPAP documentation for new or revised gear products.
• Oversee roll-testing setup and problem solving; support shaping operations.
• Create setup sheets, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Mentor cell specialists and engineering staff on best practices.
• Contribute to quality, scrap-reduction, and throughput goals.

Skills

Gear design & production

PFMEA/DFMEA

Mentoring & leadership

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Oerlikon G-Series gear grinders

Kapp Niles VX-Series gear grinders

Klingelnberg P-Series inspection systems

KIMoS

KISSsoft

Gleason roll-testing equipment

Job description

LEAD GEAR ENGINEER

QPT is partnering with a client to identify an experienced Lead Gear Engineer to strengthen their gear-manufacturing operations. This role focuses on improving quality, minimizing scrap, supporting scheduling needs, and driving process enhancements. The position also plays a key role in developing and mentoring team members to ensure consistent, high-level performance across all gear-related projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program, optimize, and troubleshoot Oerlikon G-Series and Kapp Niles VX-Series gear grinding equipment
• Support development of hypoid and spiral bevel gears using KIMoS
• Program and troubleshoot Klingelnberg P-Series inspection machines
• Prepare documentation and complete PPAP activity for new or revised gear products
• Oversee roll-testing setup, programming, and problem solving
• Support programming and troubleshooting for shaping operations
• Create or update PFMEAs and DFMEAs
• Use KISSsoft and KIMoS to evaluate and refine gear designs
• Develop clear setup sheets, work instructions, and process documentation for all gear-manufacturing steps
• Review distortion trends and recommend machining allowances before/after heat treatment
• Mentor cell specialists and engineering staff on gear-manufacturing best practices
• Perform routine machine care and ensure equipment is kept in good working order
• Maintain a clean, organized work area aligned with manufacturing standards
• Help ensure steady material and part flow throughout the manufacturing cell
• Follow all safety protocols
• Support training and skill development efforts for manufacturing team members
• Contribute to quality, scrap-reduction, and throughput-improvement goals

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in gear design and production
• Proficiency with: Oerlikon G-Series gear grinders
• Kapp Niles VX-Series gear grinders
• Klingelnberg P-Series inspection systems
• Gear shaping, hobbing, and skiving
• Bevel and spur gear roll-testing equipment (Gleason preferred)
• KIMoS and KISSsoft for gear modeling and analysis
• Strong background in PFMEA/DFMEA development
• Experience working with carburized or nitrided steels and post-heat-treat processes
• Ability to meet physical requirements (lifting, pushing/pulling, grip strength, overhead reach)
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance if required