Principal Mechanical Engineer - Instruments

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.

** This role may reside in Orange, CT or Sunnyvale, CA**

Primary function of position:

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. produces the da Vinci® Surgical System, a minimally invasive robotic surgery system that uses highly complex mechanics, replaceable instruments and accessories, and enhanced three-dimensional visualization to extend surgical technique and precision beyond the limits of the human hand.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will strive to create the safest and highest quality devices for minimally invasive surgery though rigorous and robust technical analysis.  This role requires strong performance in a fast-paced, high-energy team environment and the ability to learn quickly. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise and hands-on experience with advanced surgical technologies to support development of surgical devices for the da Vinci Surgical.

Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineering Expert to join our team, focusing on the development and application of surgical devices for Robotic Assisted Surgery. The successful candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering instrument development, with specific expertise in designing and optimizing quality and reliability of these devices.

• • Design, develop, and test wristed robotic instruments.
  • Innovate and improve existing technologies to enhance precision, efficiency, and safety.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate solutions into product lines.
  • Work closely with the Mechanical, Manufacturing, Supplier, Quality and Clinical engineering teams to implement requirements, iterate through prototypes, analyze performance and ensure design outputs are successfully integrated into effective system designs.
  • Develop simulation or characterization methodologies to model system behavior and performance.
  • Support robotic instrument and capital equipment development across multiple platforms.
  • Perform risk analysis and implement safety mitigations.  This includes documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
  • Provide technical mentorship to engineering staff.
  • Provide support for resolution of field and manufacturing issues.

Skill/Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.  Minimum 15 years of medical device experience.
• Proven experience in the development and application of medical devices, and well regarded in the industry or academia as a subject matter expert.
• Experience developing products compliant with safety standards and regulatory requirements for medical devices.
• Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project.  Using this perspective, act as an interface between various technical specialties.  Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries to ensure the success of the project.
• Contribute to design documentation throughout the entire product lifecycle such as risks, specifications, test protocols, results and regulatory materials.
• Interested in working at a fast paced, high transaction environment providing solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Hands-on engineering experience with a proven ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proven expertise and desire to coach engineers to share knowledge and impart best practice
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral) across all levels and organizations.
• Desire to learn and get to the bottom of complex and challenging engineering problems.

We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

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.