Lead Gear Engineer

Qualified Professional & Technical (QPT) - A division of Qualified Staffing; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualified Professional and Technical is seeking an experienced Lead Gear Engineer to strengthen gear-manufacturing operations. You will lead programming, troubleshooting, and process improvements across gear grinders and inspection systems while mentoring the team.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 10+ years in gear design/production, PFMEA/DFMEA expertise, and hands-on experience with Oerlikon, Kapp Niles, Klingelnberg, and KIMoS/KISSsoft.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 10+ years hands-on gear design and production experience.
• Proficiency with Oerlikon G-Series gear grinders.
• Proficiency with Kapp Niles VX-Series gear grinders.
• Proficiency with Klingelnberg P-Series inspection systems.
• Experience with gear shaping, hobbing, and skiving.
• Bevel and spur gear roll-testing equipment experience.
• KIMoS and KISSsoft for gear modeling/analysis.
• Strong PFMEA/DFMEA development background.
• Carburized or nitrided steels and post-heat-treat processing.

Responsibilities

• Program, optimize, and troubleshoot G-Series and Niles VX-Series gear grinders.
• Support hypoid and spiral bevel gear development using KIMoS.
• Program and troubleshoot Klingelnberg P-Series inspection machines.
• Prepare PPAP documents 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/refine gear designs.
• Develop setup sheets, work instructions, and process docs for gear manufacturing.
• Review distortion trends; recommend machining allowances pre/post heat treatment.
• Mentor cell specialists and engineers on gear-manufacturing best practices.
• Perform routine machine care and keep equipment in good order.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area aligned with standards.
• Help ensure steady material and part flow throughout the cell.
• Follow all safety protocols.
• Support training and skill development for team members.

Skills

Gear design and production

PFMEA/DFMEA

Gears modeling/analysis

Gear metallurgical knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Oerlikon G-Series grinders

Kapp Niles VX-Series grinders

Klingelnberg P-Series inspection

Gleason roll-testing equipment

KIMoS

KISSsoft

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