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Lead 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 ... and lead modifications) in KISSsoft to meet efficiency, durability, backlash, and NVH targets.

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 ... and lead modifications) in KISSsoft to meet efficiency, durability, backlash, and NVH targets.

OpenAI

Actuator Gear Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$225K - $423K/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 II

Brookfield, WI · On-site

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

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 II

Brookfield, WI · On-site

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

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Lead Gear Design Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead gear design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead gear design engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLead Gear Design EngineerGear Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, certifications like ASME or SAEBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settings
ResponsibilitiesLeading gear design projects, overseeing technical accuracy, coordinating teamsDeveloping gear designs, performing calculations, creating CAD models

The main difference is that the Lead Gear Design Engineer typically oversees projects and manages teams, while the Gear Design Engineer focuses on designing and developing gear components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in similar environments, but the lead position involves more leadership and project management responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Gear Design Engineer jobs?

For Lead Gear Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Gear Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Senior Gear Design Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Figure
See more jobs at Figureexternal

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 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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