Optical Engineer

Primary Function of Position:
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Optical Engineer to lead the design development and testing of advanced optical systems tailored for next-generation Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) medical this role you will work at the intersection of optics biomedical engineering and artificial intelligence helping to turn complex optical data into actionable diagnostic and therapeutic insights.  You will join a fast-paced collaborative multi-disciplinary team of hardware engineers software developers data scientists and medical professionals.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Testing & Integration: Conduct rigorous laboratory testing alignment calibration and characterization of custom optical systems to ensure optical performance meets strict AI data quality requirements.
• AI/ML Pipeline Collaboration: Work closely with data science and machine learning teams to design optical hardware optimized for AI feature extraction data acquisition and automated diagnostic workflows.
• Design & System Development: End-to-end design modeling and prototyping of optical systems (including lenses illumination setups detectors and fiber optic delivery systems) targeted for medical imaging and sensing.
• Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork: Collaborate with biomedical engineers mechanical designers firmware engineers and clinical experts to integrate optical sub-systems into complete medical devices.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain thorough design documentation optical schematics test protocols and design histories in compliance with medical device regulatory standards (e.g. ISO 13485 FDA guidance).

Qualifications :

Skills Experience Education & Training:

• Education: Ph.D. in Optics Optical Engineering Physics Electrical Engineering Bioengineering or a closely related field.
• Deep knowledge of optical system design principles wave optics ray tracing and optical instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience with optical CAD and modeling software (e.g. Zemax CODE V LightTools or Fred).
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and scripting for laboratory automation using Python MATLAB LabVIEW or C/C.
• Proven track record of taking optical designs from concept to benchtop prototype and testing.

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.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidates experience knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidates qualifications consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process please contact People Services at

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