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Gear Design Jobs in California (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 ...

Figure

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

Rivian

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Gearbox

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

ISO 1328 • Apply plastic gear design guidelines per Standard: VDI 2736 accounting for shrinkage, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and wear • Create detailed 3D models of plastic gears ...

Rivian

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Gearbox

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

ISO 1328 Apply plastic gear design guidelines per Standard: VDI 2736 accounting for shrinkage, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and wear Create detailed 3D models of plastic gears, gearboxes ...

Rivian

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Gearbox

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

ISO 1328 • Apply plastic gear design guidelines per Standard: VDI 2736 accounting for shrinkage, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and wear • Create detailed 3D models of plastic gears ...

Figure

Gear Machinist

San Jose, CA

$45 - $80/hr

In this role, you will work closely with engineering and production teams to design, produce, and inspect precision gears and gear systems that are critical to our development. Responsibilities:

Figure

Gear Machinist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

In this role, you will work closely with engineering and production teams to design, produce, and inspect precision gears and gear systems that are critical to our development. Responsibilities:

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All JobsGear Design JobsGear Design Jobs in California

Gear Design information

See California salary details

$21.5K

$83.9K

$150.8K

How much do gear design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for gear design in California is $83,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,347.00 and $106,246.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gear design?

A Gear Design job involves creating and optimizing gears for mechanical systems, ensuring they meet performance, durability, and efficiency requirements. Engineers in this role use CAD software and engineering principles to design gears for applications in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and more. They analyze factors like load capacity, material selection, and manufacturing processes to ensure reliable gear operation. Collaboration with manufacturing teams and testing prototypes are also key aspects of the job.

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

To thrive in Gear Design, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, sound knowledge of gear theory, materials science, and CAD proficiency, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software like SolidWorks or CATIA, and analysis tools such as ANSYS or KISSsoft, as well as industry certifications, are commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills in this field. These qualifications are critical to ensure the development of precise, reliable, and cost-effective gear systems that meet industry standards and performance requirements.

What are some of the typical challenges faced in a gear design role, and how are they addressed?

Gear Design professionals often deal with challenges such as optimizing gear performance while balancing constraints like weight, cost, and manufacturability. They must account for factors like material selection, load requirements, and noise reduction, all while ensuring the gears can be produced efficiently at scale. Overcoming these challenges usually involves working closely with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D—to validate designs and test prototypes. Staying updated with new materials and design methodologies also helps address evolving industry needs. Successful gear designers are adaptable and proactive in researching solutions to deliver innovative and reliable components.

What are popular job titles related to Gear Design jobs in California?

For Gear Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gear Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Gear Design jobs in California are:

Gear Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gear Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,888 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Senior Gear Design Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 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 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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