Staff Mechanical Engineer, Endoscope

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 Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Staff Mechanical Engineer with a focus on the development of new endoscopes, contributing to the exploration of a novel concept for a new application of surgical robotics from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design, prototype manufacturing, and pilot level manufacturing. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development.

The Future Forward team at Intuitive is a cross-functional team dedicated to the creation of the innovative medical robotic platforms, technologies and programs. We create transformational technologies in order to address the major pain points and unmet needs in our healthcare system. Our goal is to create the future of healthcare through platforms and ecosystems that empower providers and teams in order to deliver transformational life-enhancing care.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will develop robotic endoscopes for robotic systems for minimally invasive surgical applications. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical, materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. They must excel in a high-energy, focused, small-team environment, and have a commitment to high quality prototypes and concepts and a demonstrated record of developing creating and innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.

Essential Job Duties

• Work in a small, cross-functional project team to design, develop, and verify flexible robotic surgical instruments
• Develop test methods, fixtures, and measurement tools to evaluate the performance of individual components, sub-assemblies, and full assemblies
• Analyze and interpret data generated by novel / custom sensors to optimize performance, reliability, and accuracy.
• Generate requirements and design specifications that drive product safety, performance, and durability
• Hands-on assembly and testing of equipment and devices to support proof of concept, design development, pre-clinical, and V&V activities
• Research and utilize knowledge of catheter component suppliers and internal catheter prototyping to facilitate rapid requirements, risk analysis, and testing
• Generate and execute test methods to investigate and determine root cause of design, manufacturing, or material defects
• Support preclinical labs, observe clinical cases, and conduct review literature to inform design decisions
• Development and documentation of design and manufacturing documentation including: inspection procedures, assembly instructions, test methods, purchase specifications, BOMs, component / assembly drawings per the company’s operating procedures

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience developing medical devices; flexible instruments preferred
• Experience with…
  • integrating and optimizing the performance of electrical / optical sensors into flexible catheters or medical devices
  • catheter components and processes such as braiding, laminating, coiling, and/or laser cutting
  • plastics, plastics molding, 3D printing, adhesives, and/or epoxies
  • data analysis of complex datasets
• Proficiency using CAD; Solidworks strongly preferred
• Familiar with all phases of product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, qualification, and transfer
• High autonomy and ability to work independently under limited supervision to determine and develop approach to solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills; Able to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously
• Excellent documentation and communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

Required Education and Training

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience

Working Conditions

• None

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].