Principal Gear Manufacturing Specialist

JWC Machine and Fab; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with 4% company match

Company-paid health insurance

Job summary

JWC Machine and Fab in Mobile, AL seeks a senior, hands-on gear expert to own the end-to-end process from identification to final inspection. The role emphasizes precise gear production, repair, and reverse engineering of components for industrial clients, using both CNC and manual methods.

The ideal candidate has extensive gear manufacturing or gearbox rebuilding experience, strong metrology skills, and familiarity with AGMA standards. Relocation and compensation reflect the craft’s true value.

Qualifications

• Extensive, practical experience in gear manufacturing, repair, or gearbox rebuilding is required.
• Ability to fully characterize a gear from inspection alone (type, pitch, geometry).
• Experience with hobbing, grinding, shaping, or CNC multi-axis machining for gears.
• Proficiency in gear metrology: gear checkers, analytical CMM, lead/involute measurement.
• Working knowledge of AGMA gear quality standards.
• Blueprint reading and GD&T fluency.

Responsibilities

• Own complex gear work from identification to final inspection.
• End-to-end gear production using CNC and manual methods (hobbing, shaping, grinding).
• Verify gear tooth geometry, runout, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.
• Repair and restoration work: tooth build-up, hub changes, bores and keyways.
• Reverse-engineer components from physical samples when prints are unavailable and advise material/heat treatment choices.

Skills

Gear metrology

AGMA standards

GD&T fluency

Blueprint reading

Education

Formal apprenticeship

Engineering foundation in gear manufacturing

Bachelor’s degree exposure

Tools

Turning Lathe

CNC Automation Solutions

3D Modeling

2D Drawings

CraneCAD Software

CAM Software

Calipers and Micrometers

Gear Machinery

Job description

Build world-class gearing at a shop that values masteryJWC Machine and Fab (Mobile, AL) is a precision CNC operation focused on tight-tolerance parts for industrial clients. We run a wide spectrum of materials and complexities—from standard production to large-format, specialized projects. We hire carefully because every person shapes our capability.Role FocusOwn complex gear work from identification to final inspection. This is a senior, hands-on expert position—not an operator role. Ideal backgrounds include gearbox shops, marine or industrial repair, or precision gear manufacturing.What You’ll OwnComprehensive gear identification (type, geometry, tooth count, pressure angle, pitch, material) using inspection and incomplete specs.End-to-end gear production using CNC and manual methods; processes may include hobbing, shaping, and grinding.Final verification of gears for tooth geometry, runout, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.Repair and restoration work: tooth build-up/restoration, hub changes, bores/keyways.Reading and applying AGMA standards; interpreting customer drawings and data.Reverse-engineering gear components from physical samples when prints are unavailable.Recommending materials, heat treatment, and surface finishing for application-specific performance.Serving as internal SME; training and mentoring junior team members.Required BackgroundExtensive, practical experience in gear manufacturing, repair, or gearbox rebuilding (required).Ability to fully characterize a gear from inspection alone (type, pitch, pressure angle, tooth geometry, material).Demonstrated capability with hobbing, grinding, shaping, or CNC multi-axis machining for gears.Proficiency in gear metrology: gear checkers, analytical CMM, lead/involute measurement.Working knowledge of AGMA gear quality standards.Blueprint reading and GD&T fluency.Experience with large industrial or marine gearing is a strong plus.Formal apprenticeship, trade certification, or an engineering foundation in gear manufacturing strongly preferred.Bachelor’s Degree exposure or proficiency recognized.Tools & TechnologiesTurning LatheCNC Automation Solutions3D Modeling2D DrawingsCraneCAD SoftwareCAM SoftwareCalipers and MicrometersGear MachineryWhy JWCCompetitive pay based on your experience and qualifications401(k) with 4% company match100% company-paid health insuranceAnnual performance bonusSpecial Search NoteGear specialists are rare. If you know a recently retired expert, a professional affected by a shop closure, or someone ready for a new chapter, please pass this along. Relocation assistance is available, and compensation will reflect the true value of this craft.Equal Opportunity*JWC Machine and Fab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates based on skill, experience, and demonstrated ability.