Gear Manufacturing Trainee

About the Role

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of manufacturing in a precision gear-making environment. The Manufacturing Trainee will participate in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits necessary for success in manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety and Workplace Practices
• Follow established safety procedures, work instructions, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Learn the proper use of tools, equipment, and material-handling methods.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards.
• Material Handling and Production Support
• Load, unload, move, and stage materials, workpieces, and finished products using approved handling methods.
• Identify materials and maintain accurate counts and production records.
• Assist with production preparation, material flow, and other manufacturing support activities.
• Follow instructions for material identification, storage, and handling to prevent damage or mix-ups.
• Quality and Manufacturing Fundamentals
• Learn and follow standard work instructions and production procedures.
• Develop basic measurement skills using appropriate measuring instruments.
• Understand the importance of product quality, dimensional accuracy, and preventing defects.
• Recognize and communicate unusual conditions, discrepancies, or potential quality problems.
• Training and Skill Development
• Participate in assigned training activities and demonstrate progress.
• Develop an understanding of manufacturing terminology, processes, and equipment.
• Learn basic manufacturing mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement-related calculations.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, ask questions, and apply feedback.
• As appropriate to the training plan and demonstrated competency, develop introductory skills related to machining, CNC operation, gear cutting, and gear manufacturing.
• Teamwork and Accountability
• Work cooperatively with supervisors, trainers, and other employees.
• Communicate clearly regarding work assignments, production issues, and training needs.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Take responsibility for assigned work and demonstrate a consistent commitment to safe, quality-focused performance.

Training and Advancement Opportunities

• The company will use a structured training program with defined milestones to evaluate progress and readiness.
• Training and evaluation will focus on:
• Safe work practices and adherence to established procedures.
• Reliability, accountability, and workplace conduct.
• Understanding of basic manufacturing processes and material identification.
• Ability to follow work instructions and maintain accurate records.
• Development of measurement skills and quality awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, apply feedback, and perform assigned tasks consistently.
• Employees who demonstrate the required competencies may be considered for permanent positions in machining, CNC operation, gear cutting, or other applicable manufacturing areas. Advancement will depend on demonstrated ability, successful completion of applicable training requirements, available positions, and business needs.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Willingness to learn manufacturing processes and develop new technical skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures.
• Basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, or the ability to develop these skills through training.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and accountability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, trainers, and coworkers.
• Commitment to workplace safety and maintaining an orderly work area.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.

Qualifications (Preferred, but not required)

• Mechanical aptitude or an interest in how machines and mechanical components work.
• Experience using hand tools, measuring instruments, or other mechanical equipment.
• Previous manufacturing, production, machine shop, automotive, maintenance, or other hands-on technical experience.
• Ability to read and interpret basic drawings, measurements, or work instructions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for significant portions of the workday, potentially up to 8–10 hours.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform other movements associated with material handling and production activities.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing approximately 30–50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment where exposure to operating machinery, noise, metalworking fluids, and other typical shop conditions may occur.
• Ability to follow required personal protective equipment requirements and established safety procedures.