Managing Staff Engineer

Primary Function of Position 

The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Staff Mechanical Engineer with a focus on the development of new instruments contributing to the exploration of a novel concept for a new application of surgical robotics from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design prototype manufacturing and pilot level manufacturing. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development.

The Future Forward team at Intuitive is a cross-functional team dedicated to the creation of the innovative medical robotic platforms technologies and programs. We create transformational technologies in order to address the major pain points and unmet needs in our healthcare system. Our goal is to create the future of healthcare through platforms and ecosystems that empower providers and teams in order to deliver transformational life-enhancing care.

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will develop robotic instrumentation for systems for minimally invasive surgical applications. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. They must excel in a high-energy focused small-team environment and have a commitment to high quality prototypes and concepts and a demonstrated record of developing creating and innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.

Essential Job Duties 

• Work in a small cross-functional project team to design develop and verify robotic surgical instruments and the interface between robotic instruments and systems

• Design components and mechanisms for machining and injection molding fabrication methods

• Own complex assemblies and interfaces to cross-functional hardware and software teams

• Develop test methods fixtures and measurement tools to evaluate the performance of individual components sub-assemblies and full assemblies

• Hands-on assembly and testing of equipment and devices to support proof of concept design development pre-clinical and V&V activities

• Implement DFX principles such as design for manufacturing usability and reliability of first and next generation devices

• Generate requirements design specifications and test methods that drive product safety performance and durability

• Create and maintain SolidWorks CAD databases including assemblies components and detailed drawings

• Provide support for pre-clinical and clinical labs

Qualifications :

Required Skills and Experience 

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering Materials Science or related engineering or scientific discipline or equivalent work experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience developing medical devices; experience with flexible devices is a plus

• A passion for solving challenging technical problems Strong mechanical intuition and persistence to identify the root cause of a problem solving problems using first principles

• Expertise in medical device fabrication methods such as machining and injection molding required. Other methods such as laser cutting and welding wire EDM stamping braiding and coiling is a plus

• Tolerance analysis and GD&T

• Proven track record of taking products from early concept feasibility to market. Medical devices is a strong plus

• Strong aptitude for experimental design testing and data analysis; experience with design of experiments (DoEs) and statistical analysis is a strong plus

• Knowledge of materials plastics metals composites is a strong plus

• Demonstrated ability to think at a systems level interface between multiple design groups and negotiate conflicting requirements

• Proficiency using CAD to design parts and assemblies creating specification drawings in a PDM environment; Solidworks strongly preferred

• Experience with electromechanical design is a strong plus (Robotics experience preferred)

• Familiar with in all phases of product development lifecycle including design implementation debug verification qualification and transfer

• Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management documentation control systems

• High autonomy and ability to work independently under limited supervision to determine and develop approach to solutions.

• Excellent organizational skills; Able to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously

• Excellent documentation and communication skills

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

Additional Information :

Due to the nature of our business and the role please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin color age religion protected veteran or disability status genetic information or any other status protected under federal state or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 743.13(b)) some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the governments licensing process can take 3 to 6 months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (TCP) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employeesstart date which may or may not be flexible and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside or plan to reside in Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina or Tennessee.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages inclusive of base pay incentives benefits and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role as actual pay will be determined based on several factors including experience skills and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time