Staff Clinical Applications Engineer

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.

Primary Function of Position

The Staff Clinical Applications Engineer (CAE) will serve as a senior individual contributor focused on developing and delivering best-in-class training for Intuitive’s emerging robotic platforms. This role emphasizes enabling clinical users to transition from onboarding through independent proficiency by combining deep procedural understanding with advanced educational program design. The Staff CAE will act as a training architect and field expert, ensuring early users have the knowledge, confidence, and support to integrate robotic technology safely and effectively into practice.

Essential Job Duties

Training Program Design & Delivery

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training curricula (workshops, labs, digital modules) tailored to physicians, staff, and internal stakeholders.
• Adapt training methods to multiple learning styles and procedural experience levels.
• Serve as lead faculty during live training, simulation, and case support.

Clinical & Procedural Expertise

• Provide advanced clinical and technical guidance during procedures, ensuring safe and effective system use.
• Capture and synthesize training feedback from early users to refine curricula and drive adoption.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, marketing, medical affairs, and commercial teams to align training with evolving product capabilities and workflow needs.
• Contribute training insights to evidence generation and product development cycles.

Thought Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a senior mentor for CAEs and trainers, sharing expertise in adult learning methodologies, curriculum development, and clinical education best practices.
• Support train-the-trainer initiatives to scale global education efforts.

Required Skills and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a clinical, scientific, or engineering discipline, or completion of a physician assistant (PA) program, or a nursing degree (BSN or higher). Equivalent allied health training will also be considered. Advanced degrees (MS, PhD, MD, NP, etc.) are a plus but not required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in clinical training, professional education, or medical education within medical devices, healthcare technology, or related industries.
• Proven track record in designing and executing physician training programs, including curriculum development, lab-based training, and digital education.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with KOLs and physician faculty, driving procedure adoption through education.
• Strong procedural knowledge in minimally invasive techniques, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical training.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, sales, and medical affairs to align training with product development and commercialization strategies.
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, and adult learning skills; comfortable training audiences from novice to expert.

Preferred:

• Experience leading the design and implementation of global clinical or physician education programs, including large-scale course deployment.
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling innovative training models, such as simulation-based education, mobile learning centers, or digital learning platforms.
• History of engaging and developing physician faculty/KOLs to serve as trainers and advocates for new technologies.
• Recognition or awards from professional societies, industry organizations, or employers for excellence in education, training, or program innovation.

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work full-time and commute to Sunnyvale, CA as needed.
• Ability to travel up to 50–60%, including nights and weekends as needed; must be located near a major airline hub.
• Primary Location: Remote

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.

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 [email protected].