Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Primary Function of the Position

The Multiport Endoscope R&D group at Intuitive is a dynamic and multidisciplinary team developing next-generation 2D and 3D endoscopic vision systems that push the boundaries of human perception surgical precision and robotic imaging.

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to serve as a technical authority driving the mechanical architecture precision mechanisms and component development for advanced robotic endoscopes. This role shapes system-level mechanical strategy across product generations defines critical cross-functional decisions and ensures mechanical robustness from concept through verification and scaled manufacturing. Staff engineers in this group elevate technical standards mentor engineering teams and help chart the future of robotic imaging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Own and define the mechanical architecture for new endoscope platforms ensuring performance across optics illumination mechanics electronics sealing sterilization and thermal domains.
• Lead cross-functional teams (Optics EE FW SW Manufacturing Reliability Test Materials) through critical design decisions risk tradeoffs and architecture reviews.
• Bring clarity to ambiguity by naturally framing complex issues identifying key trade-offs and driving rapid well-reasoned decisions.
• Champion best-in-class mechanical design practices precision engineering tolerance-driven design and robust system integration.

Mechanism Component & Subsystem Design

• Design novel precision mechanisms components and assemblies that meet demanding imaging manufacturability sterilization and reliability constraints.
• Create product functional and design specifications and develop clear documentation supporting system and subsystem requirements.
• Develop fixtures alignment tools calibration methods and assembly processes enabling high-accuracy optical and mechanical integration.
• Lead DOEs verification strategies statistical analyses and durability assessments that validate design intent over product lifetime.

Prototyping Testing & Data-Driven Engineering

• Build and iterate on proof-of-concept and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Perform detailed 2D/3D tolerance analysis FEA/simulation and statistical modeling to ensure robust design margins.
• Troubleshoot component and prototype performance issues with speed rigor and cross-functional collaboration.

Manufacturing DFM/DFA and Supplier Engagement

• Lead DFM/DFA/DFS for the product line and ensure scalable design transfer to Manufacturing.
• Partner closely with suppliers to develop advanced fabrication and joining methods (precision machining molding casting metal injection molding coating optical bonding etc.).
• Influence long-term supplier capabilities jointly develop new materials or processes and guide supplier qualification.
• Support transition to manufacturing ramp-to-production and lifecycle reliability improvements with Manufacturing Materials Test Engineering and Service.

Cross-Functional Influence & Program Impact

• Mentor mechanical engineers and elevate technical standards across the organization.
• Help attract and evaluate top engineering talent.
• Navigate complex technical and programmatic challenges driving clear timely decisions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop specification documents mechanical drawings tolerance analyses Generate engineering documentation including drawings tolerance analyses specifications and Design History File (DHF) content.
• Support intellectual property creation and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality-system requirements.

Qualifications :

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Depth

• Proven expertise designing precision mechanisms and high-tolerance assemblies for opto-mechanical or electro-mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD and best practices for complex assembly definition GD&T and functional dimensioning.
• Strong command of 2D/3D statistical tolerance analysis system stack-up modeling and mechanical simulation tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading DFM/DFA/DFS initiatives for high-volume or complex assemblies.
• Hands-on understanding of mechanicaloptical integration PCB and electronics packaging stray-light and thermal considerations and sterilization-driven design constraints.
• Experience developing fixtures jigs metrology methods and calibration process development for precision assemblies.

Leadership & Execution

• Ability to influence without authority and guide teams through high-pressure design cycles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including cross-functional presentation and executive-level technical communication.
• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple fast-paced efforts simultaneously while maintaining clarity of goals and priorities.

Education & Experience Requirements

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Robotics Biomedical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 12 years of mechanical design experience including ownership of mechanical architecture for complex products in medical robotics imaging or similarly demanding fields.
• Demonstrated accomplishments across the full product lifecycle: concept design prototyping verification transfer to manufacturing sustaining.
• Medical device experience preferred but not required.

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