Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

Surgeons need to see clearly in order heal their patients. Surgeons use the da Vinci Surgical System for extended continuous duration under the intense stress of a surgical environment. Visual clarity and precise representation of the surgical field along with ease of use and optical comfort across the broad spectrum of surgeons are pillars of Intuitive’s vision products. Join the engineering team to developing the surgical viewer for the next generation system.

The Mechanical engineer 2 on this team must effectively apply creativity and sound multi-disciplinary engineering judgement in the design of surgical vision capital equipment.  They are responsible for key system components and will interface with suppliers and manufacturing to build high-quality hardware prototypes and productize new designs. The mechanical engineer will be expected to excel in a focused, high-energy, collaborative work environment with a team of talented engineers. They should be capable of making sound decisions when faced with the time pressures, ambiguous, and incomplete information typical of research and development.

Essential Job

• Design components and produce mechanical drawings for a wide range of part types which may include cast metal, injection molded plastic, stamped sheet metal, etc.
• Understand and document design changes adhering to quality processes
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to define and execute on design requirements for new and current designs
• Rapidly develop and iterate the design of full-scale prototypes of candidate designs to satisfy requirements
• Develop mechanical assemblies, with careful consideration for key functions and safety, as well as designing for manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, and cost.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and service stakeholders to troubleshoot problems and create product assembly tooling, fixtures, and instructions from prototype to launch activities
• Work with vendors and suppliers to support design transfer activities from engineering builds to launch
• Develop documentation and perform product verification testing

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong mechanical design skills and demonstrated ownership of previous projects
• Proficiency using 3D CAD software to design complex mechanical assemblies, create drawings, and perform analysis
• Excellent technical communication and interpersonal skills in a collaborative work environment
• Ability to adapt to different phases of product development cycle, including concept, design, manufacturing, and testing
• Strong concept development, design analysis, hands-on prototyping, and performance and reliability testing skills
• Ability to generate functional requirements and identify key risks associated with a design/product
• Ability to execute and document component and assembly changes in a change control system

Required Education and Training

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Working Conditions

• None

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Post-graduate study (MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering), or equivalent work experience
• Experience with developing products and applying industry standards in a regulated environment. Medical system design experience or similar is a plus.
• Experience in Engineering Simulation (FEA, CFD, etc.) applied to design optimization
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like system analysts, field/clinical engineers, human factors, industrial design, UI design, etc.

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 employees
who 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 government’s 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 employee’s
start 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 candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s 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 HRHelpNow@intusurg.com.

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.

Company Description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.