Senior Gear & Transmission Engineer - Robotic Hand Systems

Figure-

San Jose (CA)

On-site

USD 160,000 - 250,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous humanoid robots. We seek a Senior Gear Design Engineer to own gear and transmission design for our humanoid robot hands, taking gear trains from sizing through validation to mass production.

You will work with cross-functional teams in San Jose to meet tight packaging and durability goals. The role requires 7+ years of gear design experience, expertise in KISSsoft and CATIA, and familiarity with AGMA/ISO standards and manufacturing

Qualifications

7+ years of gear and geared transmission design experience.
Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field.
Ownership of complete gear designs from sizing to mass manufacturing.
Proficiency in KISSsoft for gear rating and optimization.
Proficiency in CATIA for complex geometry and large assemblies.
Knowledge of AGMA/ISO gear rating standards, gear metrology, and tolerancing.
Experience with gear manufacturing processes and supplier development.
Strong team player with ownership and open communication.

Responsibilities

Own gear design end-to-end: sizing, macro and micro geometry, 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.