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Gear Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Figure

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

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 ...

New

Figure

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

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 ...

New

OpenAI

Actuator Gear Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $380K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an Actuator Gear Design Engineer to lead the development of custom gears and gear stages for advanced robotic systems. You will own actuator development from early ...

Milwaukee Tool

Design Engineer II

Brookfield, WI · On-site

As a Design Engineer II for Milwaukee you will be located at our Brookfield, WI office. Our ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.

Milwaukee Tool

Design Engineer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Design Engineer Design Engineer I - Electrical/Plumbing Development (P&E) INNOVATE WITHOUT ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.

Milwaukee Tool

Design Engineer II

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Design Engineer II Design Engineer II - Power Tools NPD INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.

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GEAR Design Engineer information

See salary details

$27.5K

$94.5K

$154K

How much do gear design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for gear design engineer in the United States is $94,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a gear design engineer do?

A Gear Design Engineer is responsible for developing and designing geared assemblies for various industrial purposes, sometimes including military applications. Gear Design Engineers analyze gear and spline designs to meet performance requirements, as well as other features that are essential to gearbox functionality, such as fluids, fasteners, bearings, and seals. Gear Design Engineers work to design, develop, and manufacture new and existing gear systems to help power vehicles and machines. They often meet customer specifications to create products designed precisely for clients' needs. Gear Design Engineers must be able to work both collaboratively and individually in order to complete their tasks.

What does a gear design engineer do?

A Gear Design Engineer specializes in designing gears and gear systems used in various machines and mechanical devices. Their responsibilities include selecting appropriate materials, calculating gear sizes and ratios, creating technical drawings, and ensuring the gears meet performance and safety standards. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) software and work closely with manufacturing and testing teams to bring their designs to production. Gear Design Engineers play a critical role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gear design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gear Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, gear geometry, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or CATIA), gear analysis tools, and familiarity with industry standards like AGMA is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the development of reliable, efficient gear systems that meet technical requirements and industry standards.

What are some common challenges gear design engineers face when working on new projects?

Gear Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance requirements with manufacturing constraints, ensuring proper gear meshing to minimize noise and vibration, and meeting tight project deadlines. Collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and testing teams is essential to address issues like material selection and tolerance control. Staying updated with the latest design software and industry standards also helps engineers deliver innovative and reliable gear solutions.

What is the difference between Gear Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGear Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning gears and gear systemsDesigning various mechanical components and systems
Required SkillsGear mechanics, CAD, materialsBroad mechanical engineering skills, CAD, materials
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, automotive, aerospaceMultiple industries including manufacturing, robotics, automotive
CertificationsOptional specialized certifications in gear designProfessional Engineer (PE) license often beneficial

While both roles involve mechanical design and CAD skills, Gear Design Engineers specialize in gear systems, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers work on a broader range of mechanical components across various industries.

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GEAR Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gear Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,477 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Senior Gear Design Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

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 this 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.

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