Senior Technical Diagnostic Specialist

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:

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 Technical Diagnostic Specialist is responsible for supporting Service readiness for all incoming new products and for the transfer of products and processes to sustaining teams. This position works closely with engineering teams during the assembly, documentation, and testing of new products and processes. This position is directly responsible for executing test protocols, documenting results, evaluating new manufacturing process instructions, and providing feedback to engineering and manufacturing operations. In addition, the engineering technician assists with developing and maintaining tooling, fixtures, and a clean, well-organized workspace. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.  

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Recognized technical resource who handles complex, cross-functional investigations with minimal oversight.
• Return Material Authorization (RMA) line support for FA, Repair, and Final Test of products.
• Use hand tools to disassemble, assemble, and repair mechanical and electrical components.
• Provide process feedback to the engineering, service, and training teams.
• Assist with continuous improvement and update of Service RMA procedures.
• Support qualification process for equipment, fixtures, and tooling.
• Support training of Service Operations Technicians within mechanical and electronic assemblies.
• Maintain 6S standards in assigned work areas.
• Other duties as assigned by management/supervisors.

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

Required:

• Minimum 4-6 years of technical experience.
  • Associate’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Bioengineering or related STEM field) in lieu of 2 years of experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Bioengineering or related STEM field) in lieu of 4 years of experience
• Proven ability to identify, troubleshoot, and propose solutions to electromechanical failure modes.
• Effective use of troubleshooting and measurement equipment like oscilloscopes, multi-meters, function generators, test platforms.
• Familiarity with hand tools and handling techniques for delicate electrical and mechanical components.
• Knowledge of GMP, GDP, and Quality Systems Regulations.
• Familiarity with Six-Sigma methods and ability to apply LEAN concepts.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
• Self-starter and motivated to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to perform repetitious duties while standing/sitting for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel up to 5-10% of the time.

Preferred:

• Ability to perform complex failure analysis using proper engineering FMEA methods.
• Proficiency in CAD software and familiarity with GD&T.
• Experience with ERP systems (Agile, SAP, e.g.).
• Familiarity with machining, post-processing, and modification practices.
• Experience in a relevant technical role, including (but not limited to) the following.
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Service Technician
  • Repair Technician
  • Electronics Technician
  • Biomedical Equipment Technician
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician
  • Military Electronics/Mechanical Technician

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.