Senior Gear Design Engineer

FigureSan Jose, California, United States · Posted 10 days ago

Full-timeEst. 205,000 USD

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.