Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

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.

Were 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.

The Future Forward organization is Intuitive’s advanced concepts group. We explore emerging technologies, prototype next-generation solutions, and build software experiences that shape the future of robotic-assisted surgery.

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

Job Description

The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician with a focus on the mechanical design of next generation surgical robot instruments. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development.

Joining Intuitive Surgical means joining a team dedicated to using technology to benefit patients by improving surgical efficacy and decreasing surgical invasiveness, with patient outcomes as our highest priority. The Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician is responsible for supporting a team of mechanical engineers developing new products at Intuitive. The ideal candidate will be fully proficient in all typical instrument manufacturing processes. The candidate should be comfortable working with minimal supervision, and with minimal work instructions and be able to take ideas from R&D engineers and figure out how to build fully functional instrument prototypes. In addition, the individual will assist with developing and maintaining a clean and well-organized engineering lab environment that includes robotic instruments, rapid prototype machines, tools, fixtures, prototypes, and supplies. A strong sense of integrity, care, and attention to detail is required as well as a commitment to developing products of the highest quality.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assisting with all aspects of early prototype builds, including fabrication and assembly, procurement and inspection of materials, rework of components, troubleshooting, and repair of prototype instruments
• Assembling prototypes per engineering design/instructions
• Work alongside engineers to fabricate and modify components using standard prototyping and manufacturing equipment, such as lathe, mill, and laser welder
• Debugging and performance testing of engineering prototypes
• Collecting, recording, and reporting test results
• Preparation of prototype instruments and accessories for benchtop testing and pre-clinical lab evaluations, organizing, overseeing, and collaborating with other groups to assemble and test prototypes.
• Creating prototype test and assembly fixtures, and providing input for the design of production fixtures
• Providing input for protocols and reports for engineering, qualification, and verification studies
• Setup, organization, and maintenance of engineering lab and equipment
• Documenting assembly procedures and training other technicians on assembly. Assisting in knowledge transfer to other groups / teams.

Qualifications

Skills/Job Requirements:

• Minimum 8 years' experience supporting a mechanical engineering group in a product development organization
• Minimum Associate of Science degree, or equivalent work experience
• Hands-on skills and knowledgeable in prototyping and manufacturing methods, including machine equipment, laser welding, soldering, microscopic wire and cable stripping, and adhesive bonding.
• Manual dexterity to assemble small components, with microscope or similar magnification
• Knowledge of catheter materials and manufacturing processes including laminating, braiding, bonding, flaring, and tipping.
• Ability to inspect components using metrology equipment (including calipers, micrometers, vision systems, CMM)
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office required, Solidworks experience desired
• Excellent organizational skills
• Able to work independently

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.

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.

Client-provided location(s): Sunnyvale, CA

Job ID: 9757e5a1-8ab8-4aee-bfc6-cb6776b69d2f

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-13T16:46:16