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Figure Drawing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of ... Generate accurate 2D drawings using GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5 * Perform tolerance stack ...

Mechanical Engineer - Hands

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of ... Generate accurate 2D drawings using GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5 * Perform tolerance stack ...

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 ...

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Quality Engineer, Metrology

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Aug 23, 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 job categories do people searching Figure Drawing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Figure Drawing jobs in California 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.

Mechanical Engineer, Structures - Robot Hands

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 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 Mechanical Design Engineer with experience owning complex mechanical modules from concept through production. The ideal candidate has operated in a high-tech, fast-paced environment, is comfortable driving across multiple stakeholders, and has a strong background in design, testing, validation, and scaling hardware to production. Robotics experience is not required.
Responsibilities:
  • Design structural parts and assemblies in 3D CAD that meet load, durability, manufacturability, and packaging requirements within a tightly constrained envelope
  • Collaborate closely with actuator, sensing, and electronics teams to integrate subsystems into a unified hand structure
  • Perform structural analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and FEA to validate design intent
  • Generate accurate 2D drawings using GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5
  • Prototype, build, and test components to validate structural performance and reliability
  • Partner with supply chain, contract manufacturers, and manufacturing engineers to drive designs through NPI and into production
  • Own and drive Failure Analysis & Corrective Actions (FA/CA) for issues discovered during manufacturing, testing, or field use
  • Communicate clearly and proactively across a small, fast-moving team - structure touches every subsystem and requires constant cross-functional coordination
  • Some international travel

Requirements:
  • 2+ years of meaningful experience in structural or mechanical engineering at a high-tech company (consumer electronics, EV, aerospace, or similar)
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Expert in 3D CAD (CATIA preferred; NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent accepted)
  • Experience owning structural design end-to-end: requirements, tradeoffs, build, and validation
  • Strong understanding of structural analysis, FEA, and material selection
  • Experience shipping hardware at scale, including working with contract manufacturers and supporting NPI builds
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills - ability to work across actuator, sensing, and electronics teams in a fast-paced, flat organization
  • Comfortable operating in a high-ambiguity environment without rigid process frameworks

Bonus Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience
  • Experience with body-in-white or body structures in consumer electronics or EV programs
  • Production engineering experience with high-volume manufacturing

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $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.