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Gear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Gear Design SME

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$80 - $95/hr

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in precision gear engineering with a primary focus on size reduction and acoustic noise minimization. This role will drive innovation in compact ...

Dana

Gear Engineering Team Lead

Fort Wayne, IN

$101K - $133K/yr

Job Purpose With minimal supervision, direct and lead a team of gear process engineers tasked with process maintenance and process development for hypoid ring and pinion gears. Processes include ...

Dana Incorporated

Gear Engineering Team Lead

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Job Purpose With minimal supervision, direct and lead a team of gear process engineers tasked with process maintenance and process development for hypoid ring and pinion gears. Processes include ...

Dana Incorporated

Gear Engineering Team Lead

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Job Purpose With minimal supervision, direct and lead a team of gear process engineers tasked with process maintenance and process development for hypoid ring and pinion gears. Processes include ...

Figure

Gear Machinist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45 - $80/hr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a skilled Gear Machinist to join our machine ...

Figure

Gear Machinist

San Jose, CA

$45 - $80/hr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a skilled Gear Machinist to join our machine ...

RINGSPANN Corporation

Gear Machinist

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Plan gear machining operations by studying work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, materials, specifications, and machining parameters; interpreting geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T) and ...

JS Consulting

Service Technician

Greenville, SC · On-site

Client is the fusion of gear engineering excellence. Our fully equipped Industrial Gear service center in Greer, SC provides expert gearbox services across the USA. The facility includes crane ...

Forest City Gear

Gear Grinding Machinist

Roscoe, IL

$20 - $40/hr

Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to improve processes and product quality. Qualifications * Proven experience in CNC gear grinding and gear cutting. * Strong knowledge of measurement ...

ZF

Engineering Analyst - Gear Cutting

Marysville, MI

What you can look forward to as an Engineering Analyst - Gear Cutting: * Participate in all aspects of simultaneous engineering efforts for new projects (e.g., APQP, QR83, PPAP), including but not ...

Ametek

Gear Manufacturing Engineer

Whitsett, NC

$54K - $70K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred; or equivalent years of experience * 5+ years of experience in gear manufacturing * Expertise with ...

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Gear Engineering information

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How much do gear engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for gear engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do engineers work with gears?

Gear engineers design, analyze, and test gear systems used in machinery and mechanical devices. They often work with CAD software and mechanical principles to ensure proper gear function and durability in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Gear Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectGear EngineeringMechanical Engineering
FocusDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of gears and gear systemsBroad engineering field covering machinery, thermodynamics, materials, and design
CredentialsTypically requires mechanical engineering degree, specialized gear design certificationsRequires a mechanical engineering degree; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, gear design labs, R&D centersFactories, labs, offices, research institutions
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial machineryAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, many sectors

Gear Engineering is a specialized subset of Mechanical Engineering focused on gears and gear systems. While Mechanical Engineers have a broad scope, Gear Engineers concentrate on gear design, analysis, and manufacturing processes. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Gear Engineering offers a niche expertise within the larger mechanical field.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Leadership roles like engineering managers or principal engineers in high-demand industries can also reach or exceed this salary level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gear Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gear Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, gear design principles, and materials science, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), gear analysis tools, and knowledge of relevant industry standards (like AGMA) are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set outstanding gear engineers apart. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable, efficient gears that meet performance requirements and ensure product quality in manufacturing and mechanical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by gear engineers when working on complex gear systems, and how are these typically addressed?

Gear engineers often encounter challenges related to noise, vibration, and durability when designing complex gear systems, especially for high-performance applications like automotive or industrial machinery. These issues are typically addressed through precise material selection, advanced simulation software, and close collaboration with manufacturing teams to optimize tolerances and finishes. Additionally, gear engineers may work with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical designers, quality engineers, and test technicians—to validate prototypes and troubleshoot issues as they arise, ensuring the final product meets strict performance and reliability standards.

What is gear engineering?

Gear engineering is a specialized field of mechanical engineering focused on the design, analysis, manufacturing, and application of gears and gear systems. Gear engineers work to ensure that gears transmit power efficiently and reliably in machinery ranging from automobiles to industrial equipment. Their responsibilities include selecting appropriate gear materials, optimizing gear tooth geometry, and analyzing load capacity, noise, and durability. Gear engineering plays a crucial role in improving machine performance and longevity.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced degrees, or obtaining professional certifications like PE or PMP.
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What job categories do people searching Gear Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Gear Engineering jobs are:
Gear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gear Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Gear Design SME

Gear Design SME

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

A globally leading consumer device company based in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a highly skilled Gear Design Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our Hardware Technologies team, focusing on the design, analysis, and optimization of micro-scale gear systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in precision gear engineering with a primary focus on size reduction and acoustic noise minimization. This role will drive innovation in compact mechanical drive systems for next-generation consumer hardware products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead micro gear design efforts from concept through production, including gear tooth geometry definition, material selection, and tolerance analysis for miniaturized assemblies.

• Develop and optimize gear profiles (involute, cycloidal, and non-standard tooth forms) to minimize transmission error, contact stress, and audible noise in sub-millimeter to single-digit-millimeter scale geartrains.

• Perform detailed acoustic and vibration analysis of gear mesh interactions, identifying root causes of noise (mesh harmonics, ghost frequencies, hunting tooth effects) and implementing design countermeasures.

• Drive gear system miniaturization by evaluating novel architectures (planetary, harmonic drive, strain wave, compound epicyclic) and emerging micro-manufacturing processes (LIGA, micro-EDM, micro-injection molding, photochemical etching).

• Define and validate gear specifications including module/DP, pressure angle, profile shift, tip relief, lead/profile crowning, and surface finish requirements tailored to micro-scale constraints.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, acoustics, materials science, manufacturing, and reliability engineering to deliver integrated solutions meeting aggressive size, noise, and lifetime targets.

• Develop and maintain predictive models (FEA, multi-body dynamics, semi-analytical contact models) for gear mesh stiffness variation, transmission error, and NVH performance.

• Establish design guidelines and best practices for micro gear systems, including DFM/DFA rules, inspection criteria, and qualification test protocols.

• Evaluate and qualify new materials and coatings (engineering polymers, MIM metals, DLC coatings, ceramic composites) for noise reduction and wear performance at micro scale.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or closely related field

• 5+ years of hands-on gear design experience, with at least 3 years focused on miniature/microscale gear systems

• Expert-level knowledge of gear mesh theory, contact mechanics, and gear noise generation mechanisms

• Demonstrated experience reducing gear noise through profile optimization, micro-geometry modifications, and system-level tuning

• Proficiency with gear-specific software (KISSsoft, MASTA, Penn State GearLab tools, or equivalent) and general FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus)

• Deep familiarity with micro-manufacturing processes and their impact on achievable tolerances and surface quality

• Experience with gear metrology (CMM, gear checkers, surface profilometry) at fine pitch/module scales

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with polymer and composite gears for noise-sensitive applications

• Familiarity with acoustic measurement and analysis (sound power, order tracking, transfer path analysis)

• Knowledge of tribology and lubrication strategies for enclosed micro gearboxes

• Experience with tolerance stack-up and statistical methods (Monte Carlo, Six Sigma) applied to micro assemblies

• Background in consumer electronics, medical devices, or watchmaking (industries with strict size and noise constraints)

• Publications or patents in gear noise reduction or micro-mechanism design

• Hands-on prototyping experience with additive manufacturing (SLA, etc.) for micro gear feasibility studies

Type: Contract

Duration: 6 months with extension

Work Location: Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid)

Pay Rate: $80.00 - $95.00 ph (DOE)

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