Manager Mechanical Engineering

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

The Manager of Mechanical Engineering for Instruments and Accessories leads a small to medium-sized group of mechanical design engineers in the development of instrument and accessory products for use on the da Vinci system. The Manager is responsible for guiding their team through all phases of the product lifecycle, from early feasibility through development, launch, and post-market improvements. The Manager contributes to cross‑functional project teams and ensures efficient operation and development of their direct reports, aligning group objectives with business needs and project goals.

Essential Job Duties

• Collaborate with other key functions to create product roadmaps and project plans that address customer and business needs.
• Work with Product Management, Clinical Engineering, and Human Factors Engineering to develop in‑depth knowledge of customer requirements as they relate to da Vinci surgical instruments and accessories.
• Translate customer needs and business strategies into product proposals and project plans in collaboration with senior management and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Lead a team of direct reports and participate in cross‑functional project teams through all stages of product development to deliver high‑quality products on schedule.
• Utilize and teach Intuitive’s product development processes, ensuring proper application within the team.
• Guide the creation of design requirements and solutions, including concept design, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and refinement.
• Motivate, train, and oversee direct reports to ensure quality and quantity of output.
• Coordinate team activities with other groups, interfacing with functions such as product management, business development, regulatory, clinical engineering, human factors, industrial design, and process & supplier engineering.
• Lead the team through ambiguity, challenges, and setbacks, distilling complex information and setting objectives for project success.
• Develop project staffing plans, schedules, budgets, and goals for the direct team.
• Ensure appropriate project documentation in accordance with Intuitive’s Quality Management System, including design requirements, design outputs, FMEAs, design verification, and design reviews.
• Support the creation and protection of intellectual property.
• Facilitate successful design transfer through engagement with downstream functions, including manufacturing engineering and supplier engineering.
• Build and maintain a capable direct team by recruiting, developing, and retaining talented individuals.
• Assign tasks, set priorities, and establish metrics to track progress toward group and individual goals.
• Manage drafters, technicians, and other support personnel as required.
• Assess employee performance, providing regular coaching & feedback, and addressing performance issues promptly.
• Support staff career development through thoughtful assignments and training opportunities.
• Manage lab equipment and resources to support effective team operations.