Sr Project Manager, Applied Research

Primary Function of the Position

The Senior Project Manager Applied Research plays a critical role in driving early-stage research and technology development initiatives at Intuitive Surgical. This position is designed to lead and support projects that are both exploratory in nature often characterized by evolving objectives and undefined parameters and early stage aligned with specific business and patient value. The Senior Project Manager will collaborate closely with engineers and scientists fostering an environment of innovation and discovery with the goal of generating foundational insights and prototypes that will contribute to both the expansion of existing surgical robotics platforms and the creation of entirely new technologies and applications.

A successful candidate will provide strategic direction by translating high-level research ambitions into actionable plans and development roadmaps prioritizing efforts and aligning resources with the groups dynamic needs. On a tactical level this role demands hands-on project management proactive problem-solving and coordination of multidisciplinary teams to ensure research activities progress efficiently adapt to new findings and deliver valuable outcomes that can be leveraged across a broad spectrum of surgical robotics solutions.   The Senior Project Manager Applied Research will also provide training and support on research-oriented project management and tools for the Research Engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning initiation and management of applied research projects ensuring alignment with broader technology development objectives and evolving milestones.
• Develop and execute flexible project plans that accommodate the exploratory nature of early research integrating timelines resource allocation and deliverable tracking for emerging technology initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including engineering scientific research clinical affairs regulatory and operations to facilitate seamless integration of research findings into the surgical robotics ecosystem.
• Partner with engineers and scientists to define experimental approaches establish project requirements and provide technical support for proof-of-concept studies prototype development and feasibility assessments.
• Oversee documentation and knowledge transfer processes ensuring that research outputs are well-documented reproducible and ready for transition to downstream development or regulatory pathways as appropriate.
• Manage logistics for prototype development and testing including coordinating material availability tracking inventory and ensuring timely delivery of components to project teams.
• Implement procedures for project closeout including reconciliation of materials documentation of learnings and disposition of prototypes in accordance with quality and research guidelines.
• Support the applied research group by developing and maintaining tools to monitor project progress proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timelines and budgets are maintained.
• Facilitate regular project meetings providing clear status updates to the research team capturing actionable items and communicating decisions to relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal and external collaborators including academic partners and key opinion leaders to inform project design execution and interpretation of results.
• Ensure high-quality documentation reporting and data integrity across all research activities supporting the transition of research outputs to development teams.
• Support the summary reporting of Applied Research dynamic dashboards and regular updates including coordinating format and content of readouts to executive leadership.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes and best practices with a focus on enhancing cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency within the applied research framework.

Qualifications :

Additional helpful attributes/experiences

• Bachelors degree in Life Sciences Engineering or a related field; advanced degree (MS PhD or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years experience in project management with at least 3 years focused on leading technology development or applied research initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing exploratory research feasibility studies and prototype development projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory considerations and standards relevant to medical device and robotics research (e.g. FDA ISO GCP).
• Proven track record of successful cross-functional leadership in a research or technology development environment.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire influence and drive multidisciplinary teams toward common research and development goals.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; adept at presenting complex and evolving concepts to diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Advanced organizational planning and prioritization skills; proficiency with project management tools and methodologies suitable for early-stage research.
• Regulatory Acumen: Understanding of research standards and compliance requirements applicable to technology and medical device development.
• Problem Solving: Proactive in identifying challenges and developing innovative solutions in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
• Collaboration: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams external partners and academic collaborators.
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to accuracy quality and reproducibility in all deliverables.

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