Senior Actuator Design Engineer

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. Our humanoid robot, Figure 02, is designed for commercial tasks and the home. We are based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration. It’s time to build.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Actuator Design Engineer with a strong background in electric motor mechanical design and integrated geartrain development. You will help define and execute the design of compact, high-torque, and highly efficient actuators for a new generation of humanoid robots. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in rotor/stator design, geartrain sizing (planetary, harmonic), and bearing arrangement, and is proficient with tools like CATIA and KISSsoft or Romax.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the mechanical design of electric actuators, including lamination stacks, high-speed rotors, geartrains, and bearing systems
• Design and size planetary gearboxes and other reduction stages to meet torque density, speed, and lifetime requirements
• Architect full actuator assemblies including structural layout, thermal path considerations, and serviceability
• Lead design of rotor and stator assemblies including magnet retention (adhesives, interference fits), balancing, and burst strength analysis
• Perform detailed tolerance stack-ups, shaft fits, bearing life calculations, and structural analysis using FEA
• Use KISSsoft or Romax to model gearbox performance, lifetime, and manufacturability
• Develop detailed CAD in CATIA and release complete drawing packages for supplier release and internal manufacturing
• Collaborate closely with electromagnetic, controls, and system teams to deliver integrated, validated actuator solutions
• Support vendor discussions and DFM reviews to ensure robust and scalable production of actuator components

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design of actuators, electric motors, or gear-driven systems
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, dynamics, and structural analysis
• Proven experience designing planetary or other compact gearbox architectures
• Deep understanding of bearing selection, preloading, and life estimation
• Proficiency with CATIA (V5 or V6) for complex assemblies and surfacing
• Hands-on experience with rotor balancing and high-speed design for rotating systems
• Proficient with KISSsoft or Romax for gearbox modeling and optimization
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on machine design or dynamics
• Experience designing actuators for robotics, aerospace, or automotive applications
• Knowledge of thermal management in compact electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with lamination stack-up design, magnet bonding, and motor assembly methods
• Experience taking actuator designs from concept through prototyping and into production

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 and $190,000 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.