Technical Writer

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:

The Technical Writer ensures that development and delivery of process documentation standard operating procedures (SOPs) is consistent and compliant with company and regulated guidelines. The Technical Writer writes, edits, and maintains usable, accurate, clearly presented, and consistent internal process documentation. The Technical Writer requires general guidance on new assignments and processes but is expected to complete day-to-day work with little instruction. This is a self-directed role requiring exceptional time management and communication skills.

Essential Job Duties

• Write, edit, and maintain internal process documentation according to company template and guidelines
• Provide ongoing writing support to cross-functional teams as they transform their processes to the new company templates and guidelines
• Develop and maintain process documentation flow charts
• Collaborate with department team members and with cross-functional team Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to learn their internal processes to write, edit, and maintain process documentation
• Ensure compliance with Quality, Document Control, and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) guidelines
• Understand the document control steps which are required to release documentation. Upload files to the document control system.
• Resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways, using skills as an experienced technical communication professional with understanding of industry best practices and company objectives
• Act as the lead writer on projects and mentor other writers as needed
• Keep abreast of the basic requirements for compliance in own area of work and complies with those requirements. Participate as required in training on regulatory issues affecting own area of work and share learned expertise with others. Bring regulatory compliance questions/issues to the attention of management
• Adhere to policies, procedures, style guides, and quality documents. Collaborate with project team members to share knowledge and best practices.

Required Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

• 5+ years writing or editing experience in a regulated environment focusing on internal process documentation SOPs
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, professional writing, English, biological/medical/engineering sciences, or equivalent
• Strong writing and grammar skills in areas of content development and writing style. Analytical ability to grasp and effectively communicate complex scientific and engineering concepts
• Ability to understand and create flow charts
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage deliverables for multiple projects under tight deadlines, set priorities, and manage time effectively
• Expert skill level using current versions of standard authoring tools, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Visio
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or equivalent
• Previous experience with medical devices or a regulated environment
• Perform assignments with minimal instruction and supervision

Preferred Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

• Understanding of Document Control processes preferred
• Understanding of decision tracking software such as OneNote, Excel, and Smartsheet preferred
• Understanding of localization process 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.

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.