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Gear Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the design, development, and implementation of complex landing gear and kingpin projects. This includes but is not limited to electric controls, mechatronics ...

Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the design, development, and implementation of complex landing gear and kingpin projects. This includes but is not limited to electric controls, mechatronics ...

Jr Engineer

Westland, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Gleason's product and service offerings include gear and transmission design software, gear ... Run prints for engineering releases, estimating or sales. * Support Engineering, off-site ...

Sr Engineer, SteeringGear

Novi, MI · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

... design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear. Become part of an iconic brand that is set ...

Sr. System Engineer - Swaybar

Detroit, MI

$103K - $141K/yr

... design tools for selecting major Subsystems components such as motors, gear ratio, gear reduction ... Creates engineering documentation and project deliverables such as DFMEA, DFM/DFA, GD&T dimension ...

Senior Mechanisms Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Kinematics Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and ... Design and develop moving components including push-push systems, sliding mechanisms, hinges, gear ...

Sr Engineer, SteeringGear

Novi, MI · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

... design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear. Become part of an iconic brand that is set ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Livonia, MI · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Delta Precision Components, LLC and its' divisions of Delta Gear and Delta Research is a growing ... Analyze drawings, CAD data, parts lists, and other technical specifications to properly determine ...

Showing results 41-60

Gear Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$24.1K

$83K

$135.2K

How much do gear design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for gear design engineer in Michigan is $82,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,789.00 and $100,111.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gear Design Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Gear Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Gear Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Gear Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Gear Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,967 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Chief Engineer MI

Jost International

Grand Haven, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the design, development, and implementation of complex landing gear and kingpin projects.

  • Oversee the planning, execution, and performance of engineering efforts, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical strategy/innovation.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, quality, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to define, scope, and prioritize technical requirements.


JOST International rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company: Jost International
Location: Grand Haven
Industry: Tier 1 Supplier - Commercial Trailer
Reporting: VP of Engineering
Department: Engineering
About the Company:
JOST International began as a small business in the early 1980s, where we submitted the patent application for the very first steel cast fifth wheel coupling. Since our start in Grand Haven, Michigan, JOST International has grown to become a world market leader for fifth wheels and landing gear and an international supplier for the commercial trucking industry.
Though we've grown through the years, JOST International is proud to retain the same values and principles that launched our business decades ago - a dedication to safety and continuous innovation, and above all, a close relationship with our customers and our employees.
Jost International is a leading Tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in innovative solutions for the commercial truck, trailer, and agriculture markets. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement has established us as a trusted partner to OEMs and major industry players.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Engineer to lead a team in the design, development, and deployment of innovative engineering solutions. This role requires a strong technical background, proven leadership ability, and hands-on experience managing engineering projects from concept through execution. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality products. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the design, development, and implementation of complex landing gear and kingpin projects. This includes but is not limited to electric controls, mechatronics and motor/gearbox design.
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and performance of engineering efforts, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical strategy/innovation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, quality, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to define, scope, and prioritize technical requirements.
  • Drive the design and development of systems and products, ensuring functionality, reliability, and scalability.
  • Support and direct validation efforts including test planning, execution, and correlation between field performance, test data, and analytical models.
  • Provide input to technical positions relative to key field/customer issues.
  • Act as a technical subject matter expert, staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies, and applying them appropriately.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of the organization's technical roadmap for landing gear and kingpin products
  • Participate in critical design reviews to ensure engineering excellence and adherence to best practices.
  • Support the professional development of team members through mentoring and coaching.
  • Selection, testing and validation of grease required for JOST products.
  • Responsible for ensuring product safety in design and manufacturing.

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in design and/or product engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience in manufacturing processes, material fatigue analysis, testing, and validation.
  • Proven ability to lead engineering teams and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with product lifecycle management, design for manufacturability, and engineering change control is a plus.

Personal Attributes:
  • Results-oriented with a strong drive for excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
  • Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Familiarity with advanced simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CAE)
  • Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for Heavy Truck/Trailer products.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Physical Requirements:
  • This is primarily a sedentary role within an office setting. While performing duties of this job, the employee will regularly; sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, twist and rarely will be required to stoop, kneel, lift or move objects of less than fifty pounds.

I will be given written work instructions on how I am to perform this job and I will be fully trained in this position according to those work instructions. I understand that if I fail to perform, I will be disciplined, leading up to and/or including termination of my employment.

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