Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description Primary Function of the Position

The Multiport Endoscope R&D group at Intuitive is a dynamic and multidisciplinary team developing next-generation 2D and 3D endoscopic vision systems that push the boundaries of human perception, surgical precision, and robotic imaging.

• Own and define the mechanical architecture for new endoscope platforms, ensuring performance across optics, illumination, mechanics, electronics, sealing, sterilization, and thermal domains.
• Lead cross-functional teams (Optics, EE, FW, SW, Manufacturing, Reliability, Test, Materials) through critical design decisions, risk tradeoffs, and architecture reviews.
• Bring clarity to ambiguity by naturally framing complex issues, identifying key trade-offs, and driving rapid, well-reasoned decisions.
• Champion best-in-class mechanical design practices, precision engineering, tolerance-driven design, and robust system integration.

• Design novel precision mechanisms, components, and assemblies that meet demanding imaging, manufacturability, sterilization, and reliability constraints.
• Create product functional and design specifications and develop clear documentation supporting system and subsystem requirements.
• Develop fixtures, alignment tools, calibration methods, and assembly processes enabling high-accuracy optical and mechanical integration.
• Lead DOEs, verification strategies, statistical analyses, and durability assessments that validate design intent over product lifetime.

• Build and iterate on proof-of-concept and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Perform detailed 2D/3D tolerance analysis, FEA/simulation, and statistical modeling to ensure robust design margins.
• Troubleshoot component and prototype performance issues with speed, rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Lead DFM/DFA/DFS for the product line and ensure scalable design transfer to Manufacturing.
• Partner closely with suppliers to develop advanced fabrication and joining methods (precision machining, molding, casting, metal injection molding, coating, optical bonding, etc.).
• Influence long-term supplier capabilities, jointly develop new materials or processes, and guide supplier qualification.
• Support transition to manufacturing, ramp-to-production, and lifecycle reliability improvements with Manufacturing, Materials, Test Engineering, and Service.

• Mentor mechanical engineers and elevate technical standards across the organization.
• Help attract and evaluate top engineering talent.
• Navigate complex technical and programmatic challenges, driving clear, timely decisions.

• Develop specification documents, mechanical drawings, tolerance analyses, Generate engineering documentation including drawings, tolerance analyses, specifications, and Design History File (DHF) content.
• Support intellectual property creation and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality-system requirements.