Gear Machinist
Job description
About the role
The work focuses on precision machining, inspection, and continuous shop improvement. You own the execution of gear machining operations from setup through production, ensuring every part meets strict quality and safety standards. This role requires clear communication with engineering and inspection to resolve issues quickly and maintain flow. You will translate technical requirements into actionable steps for the machine shop on a daily basis. Success in this position depends on your ability to work collaboratively and follow through on commitments. You are responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace that supports team productivity. Your attention to detail directly impacts the reliability of humanoid robot gear assemblies. Continuous improvement is your responsibility, driving better methods in hobbing, skiving, and turning processes.
Key facts
What you'll do
Assess tools and material needs, and translate them into prepared work packages for projects.
Production teams configure CNC lathes with live tooling when required for complex gear geometries.
Production teams run manual mills and lathes as needed for gear work and special adjustments.
Inspection staff perform gear inspection using various measurement methods to verify specifications.
Engineering receives design feedback and manufacturing solutions from the shop to improve processes iteratively.
Team leads deliver training to shop members on methods, standards, and safety protocols regularly.
Shop staff uphold a safe, organized, and collaborative environment to support daily operations.
Maintain detailed notes and records to ensure traceability and repeatability in every machining job.
Support troubleshooting efforts by analyzing parts, processes, and equipment to identify root causes.
Participate in shop meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and adjust plans as necessary.
Promote cross-functional collaboration to align production schedules with customer and engineering demands.
Contribute to reducing waste and downtime through practical process improvements and careful planning.
Requirements
Bring 10+ years of relevant machining experience to the role in a professional shop environment.
Demonstrate proficiency in gear hobbing processes, tooling selection, and setup for various gear types.
Show hands-on experience with gear skiving for internal profiles and splines to meet tight tolerances.
Apply strong knowledge of gear geometry, tolerances, and quality standards in daily work activities.
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and gear specifications accurately without ambiguity.
Operate reliably in a fast-paced and collaborative environment with multiple priorities.
Use exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills in all interactions.
Practice safety consciousness, dependability, and a positive attitude in every task you perform.
Adhere to company standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements consistently.
Maintain tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize unplanned downtime.
Nice to have
Gear grinding experience informs production work and improves overall output quality.
Fabrication and welding experience expands shop capabilities and supports interdisciplinary work.
Familiarity with metrology tools such as CMMs supports inspection accuracy and reduces rework.
Practical notes
This US-based role offers pay between $45 per hour and $80 per hour, with variation by knowledge, skills, and experience.
Typical interview steps
Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds.
Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions.
Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight.
Whatever the role, preparation is visible.
Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.
Good to know
Humanoid robots rely on precise gear assemblies to actuate joints and move like humans.
Machinists use hobbing, skiving, and CNC turning to achieve tight tolerances on metal components.
Metrology tools such as CMMs verify geometry and dimensions in production.
Maintaining organized stock and clean shop floors keeps workcells safe and efficient.
This role operates in a collaborative, safety focused environment focused on continuous improvement.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works.
Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable.
Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results.
Early years build skills; later years build ownership.
Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing.
Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation.
Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.
About the company
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