Optical Engineer

Company Overview

Intuitive is a global leader in robotic‑assisted surgery and minimally invasive care. Our technologies, including the da Vinci surgical system and Ion, transform how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide. We unite engineers, clinicians, and innovators to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human.

The Staff Optical Systems Engineer supports the design, specification, testing, certification, and transition of critical electro‑optical components and sub‑systems for eye imaging tasks in medical capital equipment. The role involves embedded camera optics, sensors, illumination, electronics, image processing, software, and opto‑mechanics. The engineer owns the eye imaging system’s safety and efficacy and collaborates across multiple disciplines.

• Design, specify, test, certify, and transition embedded camera systems for eye imaging.

• Manage embedded camera optics, sensors, illumination source and optics, electronics, image processing, software, and opto‑mechanics.

• Own safety and efficacy of the eye imaging system and integrate with the surgical system.

• Bring up existing designs and innovate to improve performance, reduce cost, and enhance manufacturability.

• Prioritize own time, make sound engineering decisions with minimal oversight.

• Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or equivalent field, 5‑10 years embedded camera systems experience.
• Broad embedded camera industry knowledge and end‑to‑end camera system design experience.
• Knowledge of eye anatomy, ergonomics, safety standards and near‑infrared eye imaging systems.
• Proficiency in Zemax or equivalent sequential ray tracing software for lens design, illumination design, and eye modeling.
• Proficiency in Zemax or equivalent non‑sequential ray tracing software for stray light analysis, illumination design, and light pipe design.
• Knowledge of lens fabrication technologies (molded, diamond‑turned, 3D printed).
• Knowledge of near‑infrared sources (LEDs, laser diodes).
• Knowledge of camera system calibration (distortion, stereo) and characterization (modulation transfer).
• Knowledge of iris identification, pupillometry, and gaze estimation algorithms.

Base Compensation Range Region 1: $164,000 – $236,000 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $139,400 – $200,600 USD
Shift: Day
Travel: 10% of the time
Workplace Type: Onsite — This job is fully onsite.

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.

Some roles may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries on embargo or sanctions status. Final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or executed technology control plan as required.

We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair‑chance laws. Preference will be given to candidates who do not reside in specific residential states. Candidates may be required to provide proof of COVID‑19 vaccination as applicable to the role. Candidates with certain eligibility or residency statuses may receive priority.