Job Description
Job DescriptionStep into the role where gears are the craft and precision is the standard
At JWC Machine and Fab in Mobile, AL, we’re a CNC precision machining shop known for tight-tolerance work for industrial customers. Our team thrives on tackling complex materials and part geometries—from repeat production to large-format and specialized builds. We’re growing deliberately, and every addition to the team is highly intentional.
The Opportunity
As our Senior Gear Systems Technologist, you’re the go-to expert. Picture your day: a customer drops off a worn helical gear with no drawing. You identify the type, pitch, pressure angle, material, and how it was originally produced. You determine the best path—manufacture a replacement via CNC, hobbing, shaping, or grinding, or repair what’s salvageable. You set up the work, oversee heat treat and finishing requirements, and then verify it to spec on inspection equipment. Along the way, you advise engineers, capture tribal knowledge, and mentor rising talent.
What You’ll Do
- Complete gear identification from partial specs or physical inspection: gear type, geometry, tooth count, pressure angle, pitch, and material.
- Produce new gears and components on CNC and/or manual equipment; select appropriate processes such as hobbing, shaping, and grinding.
- Inspect finished gears for tooth form, runout, surface finish, and dimensional conformance using gear checkers, CMM, and analytical measurements.
- Execute or support repairs: tooth restoration, hub changes, bore and keyway operations.
- Interpret gear drawings and AGMA specifications; work confidently from customer-supplied data.
- Reverse-engineer gear components from samples when drawings are unavailable, collaborating closely with engineering.
- Recommend materials, heat treatment sequences, and finishing methods suitable to the application.
- Serve as our internal gear authority—coach and train junior staff over time.
What You Bring
- Extensive hands-on background in gear manufacturing, repair, or gearbox rebuilding (non-negotiable).
- Fluent in full gear characterization by inspection: type, pitch, pressure angle, tooth geometry, and material.
- Proven experience with hobbing, grinding, shaping, or CNC multi-axis gearmaking.
- Proficiency with gear metrology: gear checkers, analytical CMM, lead and involute measurement.
- Working knowledge of AGMA gear quality standards.
- Strong blueprint reading and GD&T.
- Large industrial or marine gearing experience is a significant plus.
- Formal apprenticeship, trade certification, or an engineering background in gear manufacturing strongly preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree exposure or proficiency noted.
The Tools & Tech You’ll Touch
- Turning Lathe
- CNC Automation Solutions
- 3D Modeling
- 2D Drawings
- Crane
- CAD Software
- CAM Software
- Calipers and Micrometers
- Gear Machinery
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation aligned with experience and qualifications
- 401(k) with 4% company match
- Health insurance—100% company paid
- Annual performance bonus
A Note on This Search
True gear experts are uncommon—and often not actively seeking new roles. If someone comes to mind (a recently retired specialist, a craftsman after a shop closure, or a pro ready for a fresh challenge), please share this opening. Relocation assistance is available, and we will make an offer that reflects the real market value of this skill set.
Equal Opportunity
*JWC Machine and Fab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates based on skill, experience, and demonstrated ability.