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Figure Drawing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of ... Generate accurate 2D drawings with gear data tables and GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and define inspection ...

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of ... Generate accurate 2D drawings with gear data tables and GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and define inspection ...

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. Our Humanoid is designed ... Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings * Able to use basic measurement tools such as ...

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. Our Humanoid is designed ... Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings * Able to use basic measurement tools such as ...

Quality Engineer, Metrology

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. Our Humanoid is designed ... Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD models * Expert on GD&T ASME Y14.5-2009 or ...

Quality Engineer, Metrology

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. Our Humanoid is designed ... Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD models * Expert on GD&T ASME Y14.5-2009 or ...

Global Supply Manager, Battery

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Comfortable working directly with drawings, BOMs, and cost breakdowns. The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $140,000 - $220,000 annually. The pay offered for this position ...

Global Supply Manager, Mechanical

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Comfortable working directly with drawings, BOMs, and cost breakdowns. Compensation The US base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000 - $220,000 annually . Compensation may vary based ...

Evaluate figures, drawings, and step-by-step instructions to repair various aircraft components. * Evaluate technical data to substantiate repair instructions including stress analysis, free body ...

Evaluate figures, drawings, and step-by-step instructions to repair various aircraft components. * Evaluate technical data to substantiate repair instructions including stress analysis, free body ...

Evaluate figures, drawings, and step-by-step instructions to repair various aircraft components. * Evaluate technical data to substantiate repair instructions including stress analysis, free body ...

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WELDER / FABRICATOR

North Hollywood, CA ยท On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Fabricate custom steel and aluminum assemblies from drawings and shop sketches. * MIG and TIG ... Animated figures or props * Scenic fabrication * Live entertainment / touring * Special effects ...

WELDER / FABRICATOR

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Fabricate custom steel and aluminum assemblies from drawings and shop sketches. * MIG and TIG ... Animated figures or props * Scenic fabrication * Live entertainment / touring * Special effects ...

Estimator

Concord, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Reviews proposal specifications, drawings, attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work ... figures. * Provides technical input regarding project and contract risks to lead estimator ...

New Grad Estimator

Concord, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $83K/yr

Reviews proposal specifications, drawings, attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work ... figures. * Provides technical input regarding project and contract risks to lead estimator ...

Showing results 21-40

Figure Drawing information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$42

How much do figure drawing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for figure drawing in California is $26.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is figure drawing?

Figure drawing is the artistic practice of drawing the human form in various poses, typically from a live model. It is a foundational skill for artists, helping them understand human anatomy, proportion, and movement. Figure drawing sessions often involve quick sketches (gesture drawings) as well as longer, more detailed studies. This practice is essential for developing observation skills and improving overall drawing technique.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a figure drawing artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Figure Drawing Artist, you need strong observational skills, a solid grasp of human anatomy, and proficiency in drawing techniques, often supported by formal art education or relevant coursework. Familiarity with traditional and digital drawing tools, as well as software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate, is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept and apply constructive feedback are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for accurately capturing the human form and producing expressive, high-quality figure drawings for various artistic or commercial purposes.

What are the typical challenges faced by figure drawing artists in a professional setting?

Figure drawing artists often encounter challenges such as working with live models who may need frequent breaks, adapting to various lighting conditions, and capturing dynamic poses within limited time frames. Additionally, collaborating with art directors or clients may require adjustments to style or composition based on feedback. Staying current with industry trends and continuously refining anatomical drawing skills are also key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Figure Drawing vs Portrait Drawing?

AspectFigure DrawingPortrait Drawing
FocusDepicts the human body in various poses, emphasizing anatomy and movementFocuses on capturing the likeness and personality of an individual, emphasizing facial features
Required SkillsAnatomy knowledge, gesture, proportionFacial anatomy, likeness, expression
Work EnvironmentArt studios, life drawing classes, freelancePortrait studios, commissions, art classes
Common UsageFine art, illustration, animationPortraiture, commissions, portraiture art

While both figure drawing and portrait drawing involve capturing human subjects, figure drawing emphasizes anatomy and movement of the entire body, whereas portrait drawing concentrates on facial features and individual likeness. Artists often choose between these based on their focus area or project requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Figure Drawing jobs in California?

For Figure Drawing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Figure Drawing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Figure Drawing job openings:

Infographic showing various Figure Drawing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,130 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and requires 5 days/week in-office collaboration.

We are looking for a Senior Gear Design Engineer to own gear and transmission design for our humanoid robot's hands - some of the most power-dense, space-constrained actuators in the world. You will take gear trains from first-principles sizing through validation and into mass manufacturing, defining how our robot grasps and manipulates the world.

Responsibilities:

  • Own gear design end-to-end: system-level sizing, macro and micro geometry definition, rating and life analysis, prototyping, validation, and ramp to mass production.
  • Perform gear sizing, contact/bending stress analysis, and micro-geometry optimization (profile and lead modifications) in KISSsoft to meet efficiency, durability, backlash, and NVH targets.
  • Design gears, shafts, and transmission assemblies in 3D CAD (CATIA) that satisfy extreme packaging, load, and durability requirements of a high-DOF robotic hand.
  • Define gear manufacturing strategy - cutting, grinding, powder metal, MIM, or plastics - and drive DFM with suppliers from first articles through high-volume production.
  • Generate accurate 2D drawings with gear data tables and GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and define inspection and metrology plans for incoming quality.
  • Build and run test rigs to characterize efficiency, backlash, wear, and fatigue life; correlate test data back to analytical models.
  • Collaborate closely with actuator, structures, EE, and manufacturing teams - proactively identifying risks, driving decisions, and unblocking the program without waiting to be asked.

Requirements:

  • 7+ years of experience designing gears and geared transmissions
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or similar field
  • Demonstrated ownership of complete gear designs from initial sizing through mass manufacturing
  • Proficiency in KISSsoft (or equivalent) for gear rating, contact analysis, and micro-geometry optimization
  • Proficiency in CATIA (or equivalent high-end 3D CAD) for complex geometry and large assemblies
  • Working knowledge of AGMA/ISO gear rating standards, gear metrology, and tolerancing
  • Experience with gear manufacturing processes (hobbing, shaping, skiving, grinding, powder metal, MIM, or injection molding) and supplier development
  • A strong team player with a high sense of agency - you take ownership of outcomes, communicate openly, and elevate the people around you

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Experience with small-module, high-ratio, or high-power-density gearing (planetary, cycloidal, or strain wave)
  • Experience in robotics, surgical devices, aerospace actuation, or automotive e-drive transmissions
  • Familiarity with lubrication selection, grease DOE, and tribology for compact gearboxes
  • Experience with fatigue modeling, bearing life characterization, and accelerated life testing
  • Experience taking a product through NPI builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) and FATP at volume

The US base salary range for thisย full-time position is between $160,000 - $250,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.ย