Sponsorship : GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.
Work Arrangement: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Grand Rapids Operations on a full-time basis.
The successful candidate must have availability to work any shift; overtime and some weekends are expected.
The Role:
As a Senior Gear Manufacturing Engineer, you will:
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for hypoid gear manufacturing, providing technical leadership and hands-on expertise in gear quality, process optimization, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement across high-volume machining operations.
- Develop, maintain and train teams on standard work, setup sheets, tooling lists and cell documentation for hypoid gear production.
- Collaborate with Product Engineering, Quality, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on product designs for continuous improvements activities.
- Mentor and coach manufacturing engineers and production personnel; transfer knowledge to sustain continuous improvements and reduce process variation with process documentation and document control.
- Build and sustain a good working relationship between hypoid gear manufacturing and axle assembly teams to improve quality and manufacturing uptime.
What You’ll Do:
Responsible for supporting activities that may include:
- Provide day-to-day technical leadership and support for manufacturing operations, maintenance, and CNC machining processes.
- Serve as a technical resource for gear quality standards and support Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS) initiatives across multiple departments.
- Drive safety, quality, throughput, and equipment efficiency improvements through root cause analysis, problem solving, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement activities.
- Develop, implement, and sustain process improvements, innovative technologies, and manufacturing solutions that enhance operational performance and reduce variation.
- Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve quality, process, equipment, and reliability issues while supporting production schedules and product requirements.
- Provide technical direction and oversight for internal teams, contractors, vendors, and external resources supporting manufacturing and maintenance.
- Develop, maintain, and ensure accuracy of manufacturing technical documentation, standard work, and training materials; facilitate training for engineering, production, and maintenance personnel.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute projects to meet timing, budget, and operational objectives.
- Evaluate and recommend capital equipment investments, emerging technologies, and business cases to improve efficiency and reduce structural costs.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of experience in engineering support role in a CNC machining environment (hypoid gears preferred)
- Deep working knowledge and practical experience with grinding, lapping, shot peening, and gear metrology equipment and capability processes.
- Previous experience with computer- based office and engineering software, including Microsoft Office and AutoCAD
- Ability to work weekends and overtime as needed
What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
- Proven ability to interface with gear OEMs and machine tool builders to evaluate new technology, tooling trials, cost of ownership analyses and manufacturability improvements.
- Advanced understanding of hypoid gear geometry corrections with gear CMM reports, and tooth-contact pattern adjustments via machine-setting.
- Experience with SolidWorks
- Formal problem-solving training/experience (RedX, 8D, Six Sigma, etc)
This role may be eligible for relocation benefits.
