Mechanical Engineer Vision RD

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 Position

This role is a key contributor to support new vision product development for Intuitive Surgical’s Multiport business unit. The role involves concept simulation, evaluation and testing, as well as development of opto-electromechanical sub-systems from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design, prototype manufacturing, and testing. This role is responsible for key system components and will interface with engineering teams, suppliers and manufacturing to build high-quality hardware prototypes and evaluate new designs.

Essential Job Duties

• Conceptualize and review complex electro-mechanical assemblies, create CAD, thermal and mechanical models and simulations.
• Examine and test product designs, including data collection and investigation. Design and build processes to test designs and conduct reliability testing; conduct studies to establish feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new designs.
• Design, develop, and build mechanical components and assemblies for surgical vision systems, with careful consideration for mechanical design, kinematics and materials.
• Define requirements, maintain design history files and generate specifications, CAD drawings and interface control documents for new and current product and fixture designs.
• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, optics, software, firmware, and test engineers).
• Engage with vendors to identify, select and source materials and provide technical support.
• Navigate complex technical and programmatic situations by driving timely decision making and setting appropriate priorities to focus the team for success.
• Troubleshoot process and component problems
• Provide engineering support to Manufacturing, Materials, Test Engineering, and Service to facilitate transfer of designs.
• Document and communicate intellectual property

Required Skills and Experience

• Mechanical analysis experience, including thermal, stress analysis and fatigue testing. Proficiency with FEA simulation tools (such as Ansys, Flo-EFD, ABAQUS, NASTRAN etc.)
• 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred), fabrication/ 2D drawings, tolerance testing, and knowledge of GD&T methods and drafting standards.
• Ability to work with hand tools and prototyping equipment.
• Understanding of component selection criteria, and design for reliability and manufacturability.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal), presentation, and documentation skills
• A passion for creating robust/reliable products and an excitement to learn and problem solve

Required Education and Training

• Minimum BS in Mechanical Engineering or related degree with at least 5 years of work experience (or MS/PhD with 3 years) in medical, commercial and/or consumer products.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience developing overall product mechanical architecture including thermal, mechanical, and optomechanical requirements with consideration for electronic, software, and optical systems.
• Basic machine shop experience (e.g., CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, Laser Cutter, etc.)
• Direct medical device experience is preferred but not required

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.