Mechanical Design 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.

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.

Primary Function of the Position 

The successful candidate will conceptualize, develop, and support the mechanical design of equipment used to manufacture novel surgical robot systems, taking individual responsibility for the successful design of specific system components. The candidate will demonstrate creativity and sound engineering in the design of kinematics, robotic actuation, and sensing solutions along with the selection of engineering materials. The candidate must be able to coordinate their efforts within a team design effort and be able to report progress and milestones relative to the overall development project. They must excel in a high-energy team environment and be capable of making sound decisions when faced with the time pressures and incomplete information typical of new product development.

Essential Job Duties 

• Experienced professional with a full understanding in certain area(s) of specialization
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways
• Design and build in-house proprietary manufacturing equipment from concept to full solution
• Develop metrics, protocols, and test fixtures for qualifying robot system designs
• Guide projects through the design control process (design specification, design review, risk analysis, etc.)
• Determine troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration procedures for equipment
• Improve product quality and reliability using Cpk, Gauge R&R, and similar quality tools
• Provide equipment-related technical support to on-going production operation and expansion

Required Skills and Experience 

• Self-motivated, willing/able to take initiative, works well with others in a team environment
• 3D CAD proficiency, SolidWorks preferred
• Ability to integrate mechatronics components such as sensors, motors, pneumatics, and motion and vision control components
• Strong understanding of tolerance analysis and statistical methods
• Excellent written and oral communications skills

Required Education and Training 

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience developing manufacturing equipment

Working Conditions

• none

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience in an ISO 13485, ISO 9001, or medical device manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with regulated Quality Systems, especially medical device regulations

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.