Mechanical Engineer Vision RD

Company Description

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.

This role is a key contributor to support new vision product development for Intuitive Surgical's Multiport business unit. The role involves concept simulation, evaluation and testing, as well as development of opto-electromechanical sub-systems from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design, prototype manufacturing, and testing. This role is responsible for key system components and will interface with engineering teams, suppliers and manufacturing to build high-quality hardware prototypes and evaluate new designs.

• Conceptualize and review complex electro-mechanical assemblies, create CAD, thermal and mechanical models and simulations.
• Examine and test product designs, including data collection and investigation. Design and build processes to test designs and conduct reliability testing; conduct studies to establish feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new designs.
• Design, develop, and build mechanical components and assemblies for surgical vision systems, with careful consideration for mechanical design, kinematics and materials.
• Define requirements, maintain design history files and generate specifications, CAD drawings and interface control documents for new and current product and fixture designs.
• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, optics, software, firmware, and test engineers).
• Engage with vendors to identify, select and source materials and provide technical support.
• Navigate complex technical and programmatic situations by driving timely decision making and setting appropriate priorities to focus the team for success.
• Troubleshoot process and component problems
• Provide engineering support to Manufacturing, Materials, Test Engineering, and Service to facilitate transfer of designs.
• Document and communicate intellectual property

• Mechanical analysis experience, including thermal, stress analysis and fatigue testing. Proficiency with FEA simulation tools (such as Ansys, Flo-EFD, ABAQUS, NASTRAN etc.)
• 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred), fabrication/ 2D drawings, tolerance testing, and knowledge of GD&T methods and drafting standards.
• Ability to work with hand tools and prototyping equipment.
• Understanding of component selection criteria, and design for reliability and manufacturability.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal), presentation, and documentation skills
• A passion for creating robust/reliable products and an excitement to learn and problem solve

• Minimum BS in Mechanical Engineering or related degree with at least 5 years of work experience (or MS/PhD with 3 years) in medical, commercial and/or consumer products.

• Prior experience developing overall product mechanical architecture including thermal, mechanical, and optomechanical requirements with consideration for electronic, software, and optical systems.
• Basic machine shop experience (e.g., CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, Laser Cutter, etc.)
• Direct medical device experience is preferred but not required

Due to the nature of our business and…