Thermal Design Engineer 3

Primary Function of Position:

We are seeking a Thermal Design Engineer to join the Da Vinci Vision Hardware R&D team and partner in the architecture development verification and transfer of next-generation vision systems from concept through launch.

This role will serve as the thermal engineering owner and subject matter expert for endoscope illumination and computing products with accountability for thermal architecture performance reliability testing and compliance. The successful candidate will ensure products are thermally robust meet all applicable requirements and maintain sufficient operating margin throughout their lifecycle.

In addition to thermal leadership this individual will contribute to broader mechanical and opto-mechanical design efforts as program needs require.

Roles & Responsibilities:

         Own thermal design analysis testing performance and compliance across vision hardware products and systems.

         Develop thermal solutions including airflow management heat sinks heat pipes vapor chambers TIMs and active cooling systems.

         Create analytical CFD and FEA thermal models and correlate results with laboratory testing.

         Plan and execute thermal characterization validation accelerated life testing and model correlation activities.

         Define thermal limits derating strategies and protection approaches with electrical and software teams.

         Specify and qualify thermal components and collaborate with suppliers.

         Leverage and manage external engineering resources and contractors as needed to supplement internal capacity.

         Create and review CAD designs drawings assemblies tolerances and related documentation.

         Partner closely with mechanical optical electrical systems software and manufacturing teams.

         Support DFM/DFA activities to ensure successful transfer from development to production.

Qualifications :

Skills Experience Education & Training:

         BS in Mechanical Engineering Thermal Sciences Physics or related field.

         3 years of experience in thermal engineering electronics cooling CFD or thermal test and validation.

         Strong understanding of heat transfer fluid mechanics airflow and thermal management.

         Experience with CFD tools such as ANSYS Icepak FloTHERM FLOEFD Fluent or similar.

         Experience with thermal testing instrumentation and model correlation.

         Direct experience with heat sinks heat pipes vapor chambers TIMs fans and high-power electronics cooling.

         Familiarity with advanced thermal materials and technologies.

         Proficiency in SolidWorks CATIA or equivalent CAD tools.

         Programming experience with Python MATLAB or similar scripting languages is a plus.

         Demonstrated use of AI tools to improve engineering workflows and productivity.

         Strong problem-solving communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

         Thrives in ambiguous fast-paced development environments and demonstrates excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously.

         Prior experience with the Design Control processes for medical devices and clinical application of surgical instruments is a plus.

         Prior experience with Agile Change Control and SAP is a plus.

         Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

What Success Looks Like:

         Delivers thermally robust compliant products with appropriate performance margin.

         Translates ambiguous requirements into practical thermal solutions and validated designs.

         Effectively connects simulation testing CAD and manufacturing constraints to drive decisions.

         Serves as the trusted thermal engineering expert across multiple Vision Hardware programs.

         Contribute to broader mechanical and opto-mechanical design efforts when 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.

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.

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.

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

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time