ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Gear Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

RBC Bearings

Gear Machinist

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

Set up and operate gear-cutting equipment such as hobbing, shaping, grinding, and CNC machines ... Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications. * Manufacture ...

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 ... You will help drive actuator development across the full engineering lifecycle while establishing ...

Graybar

Quotations Specialist - Gear

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you bring to the table: * 4-5 years of experience quoting electrical gear, switchgear, or ... Four-year degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Graybar

Quotations Specialist - Gear

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you bring to the table: * 4-5 years of experience quoting electrical gear, switchgear, or ... Four-year degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Martin Sprocket & Gear

Manufacturing Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$71K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering skills to a team that values precision and innovation? At Martin Sprocket & Gear, we're dedicated to producing quality mechanical power transmission components, material handling systems ...

Martin Sprocket & Gear

Manufacturing Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$71K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering skills to a team that values precision and innovation? At Martin Sprocket & Gear, we're dedicated to producing quality mechanical power transmission components, material handling systems ...

Martin Sprocket & Gear

Manufacturing Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering skills to a team that values precision and innovation? At Martin Sprocket & Gear, we're dedicated to producing quality mechanical power transmission components, material handling systems ...

Martin Sprocket & Gear

Manufacturing Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$71K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering skills to a team that values precision and innovation? At Martin Sprocket & Gear, we're dedicated to producing quality mechanical power transmission components, material handling systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGear Engineering JobsGear Engineering Jobs in California

Gear Engineering information

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 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 are popular job titles related to Gear Engineering jobs in California?

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

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

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

Gear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gear Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Gear Machinist

Figure

San Jose, CA

$45 - $80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 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 headquartered in San Jose, CA.

We are looking for a skilled Gear Machinist to join our machine shop. 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: 

  • Assess tools and material needed for projects
  • Set up and operate gear hobbing machines to produce various types of gears to tight tolerances 
  • Perform gear skiving operations for internal gears, splines, and hard-to-reach profiles 
  • Set up and operate CNC lathes with live tooling as needed
  • Set up and operate manual mills and lathes as needed 
  • Perform gear inspection using various inspection methods 
  • Provide feedback and solutions to improve designs and manufacturing efficiency 
  • Provide training to team members 
  • Maintain inventory of cutting tools, raw materials, and gear blanks 
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and collaborative shop environment 
  • Document and track workflow, inspection results, and non-conformances 
  • Perform preventative maintenance and repair on machines and equipment 

Requirements: 

  • 10+ years of experience in a related industry
  • Proficient in gear hobbing processes, tooling selection, and setup 
  • Hands-on experience with gear skiving for internal profiles and splines 
  • Strong knowledge of gear geometry, tolerances, and quality standards 
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and gear specifications 
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment 
  • Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Safety conscious, dependable, and a positive attitude

Bonus Qualifications: 

  • Experience with gear grinding operations 
  • Fabrication and/or welding experience 
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as CMMs

The US base pay range for this full-time position is between $45/hr-$80/hr

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.

Apply