Manufacturing Engineer - Systems

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 entry level manufacturing engineer will support multiple manufacturing lines for both mature and new instruments and accessories for the Ion platform. This engineer must be able to support existing manufacturing lines, recommend and implement improved manufacturing processes, and lead manufacturing line transfers. The role requires the ability to collaborate effectively across functions ranging from Quality and Design to Manufacturing in the US and Mexico.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead manufacturing line transfer projects, including:
  • Lead project management effectively, including monitoring schedules for multiple functions across two plants
  • Procure, assemble, and qualify custom mechanical and electromechanical equipment
  • Improve equipment documentation and design as needed for continuous improvement in preparation for further transfers
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of our manufacturing processes, and transfer knowledge to new engineers and assemblers from a remote location to facilitate an effective transfer
  • Troubleshoot electromechanical equipment problems, including collaboration with third party equipment makers as needed, e.g. braiders, laminators, or testing equipment
• Support several Ion manufacturing lines including:
  • Establish regular communication with the production team to ensure they have the best support possible for both short and long term needs
  • Manage product reliability improvements from concept to implementation
  • Identify, design, qualify, document and introduce assembly/test fixtures and equipment
  • Improve process flows of Ion instrument manufacturing lines to optimize for reliability, efficiency, capacity, cost, and technician safety
  • Execute and mentor others in manufacturing process validations, process FMEAs, and other elements associated with production Master Validation Plans
  • Provide product and process Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFX) input to enhance manufacturability, and lead improvement implementations
  • Manage manufacturing strategy and production capability for Ion Instrument lines to minimize customer backorders
  • Maintain compliance with medical device quality system including corrective action closure, discrepant material disposition and Engineering Change Order (ECO) implementation
  • Provide technical support for failure analyses and root cause investigations of product failures
• Contribute to the establishment of group and individual objectives consistent with overall product development goals, including priority setting, establishment of metrics, and effectively communicating progress
• Provide resource budget estimates for product and process improvements, tooling development, and testing
• Works with Quality and Regulatory to ensure that the team follows appropriate GMP, design history file (DHF), and device history record (DHR) guidelines per FDA requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong technical problem solving and analytical skills
• Familiar with various component manufacturing processes (machining , injection molding & MIM, stamping, coining, extrusion)
• Familiar with mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks)
• Familiar with Process and Equipment Qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work on several fast-paced projects simultaneously
• Mechanical design and analysis skills, including statics, dynamics, kinematics, strength of materials, and stress analysis is a plus
• Able to communicate effectively and professionally with cross-functional peers, executive leadership, internal customers, and external suppliers
• Prior experience with Design Control processes for medical devices and/or clinical applications of the surgical instruments, and/or automated equipment design is a plus
• 25% travel (including international) is required

Required Education and Training

• B.S. degree in engineering discipline, M.S. preferred

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.

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].

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.