Managing Staff Instruments & Accessories

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

Description of Position: The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Managing Staff, Instruments and Accessories with a focus on the mechanical design of novel instruments and accessories for a new application of surgical robotics. The Managing Staff, Instruments and Accessories will be responsible for leading a team of engineers through the design of the new instruments and accessories for a new platform. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development. Joining Intuitive Surgical means joining a team dedicated to using technology to benefit patients by improving surgical efficacy and decreasing surgical invasiveness, with patient outcomes as our highest priority. The Managing Staff, Instruments and Accessories will develop mechanical systems for minimally invasive surgical applications while also be responsible for interfacing with other aspects of the new platform. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical, materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. They must excel in a high-energy, focused, small-team environment, and have a commitment to high quality prototypes and concepts and a demonstrated record of developing, creating, innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience
Typical minimum of 7 years of direct experience managing / mentoring engineers with proven ability to work well in a team environment
Typical minimum 10 years of relevant experience designing complex commercial mechanical products, or relevant graduate education (Robotics and Medical Device engineering experience preferred)
Experience designing and developing instruments or accessories for clinical/surgical applications preferred
Must possess a clear mastery of analytical, theoretical and practical fundamentals and be well versed in experimental engineering techniques
Passionate about creating robust/reliable products and possess an excitement to learn and problem solve
Experience with CAD and simulation tools that support design excellence is required
Familiar with design control and quality systems
Experience working in regulated environment with FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, IEC 60601 and other related external standards
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross-functional research and development teams
Proficient in all phases of medical device product development lifecycle including design verification, design validation, and design transfer
Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management documentation control systems
Able to independently assess complex problems and situations to move projects forward
Able to coordinate activities within organizations to drive deliverables
Strong project management, planning, budgeting, and change management skills
Excellent interpersonal/team effectiveness and communication skills (written, verbal, documentation, & presentation) required
Excellent organizational skills; Able to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously
Strong business acumen with entrepreneurial experience a plus
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities

This technical management role will build and guide an R&D engineering team, while working alongside them.
The role will be responsible for the design and development of instruments and accessories for a new application of surgical robotics from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design, prototype manufacturing, full-scale manufacturing, clinical use and product launch.
The team shall work closely with clinicians and electrical, software, controls, and other engineering teams to collaboratively develop these novel designs.
Lead and influence cross-functional project teams in the design and development of new complex robotic surgical system instruments and accessories
Lead the technical effort and be responsible for the mechanical design, development and integration of the new instruments and accessories into a new robotic surgical system platform.
Lead, evaluate, plan, and manage I&A projects for a new robotic surgical system platform within agreed upon timelines and costs
Navigate complex technical and programmatic situations by driving timely decision making and setting appropriate priorities to focus the team for successfully delivering to plan
Direct the development of new technical product concepts from initial design to market release
Work cross functionally to support the definition and validation of the instrument and accessories requirements
Establish group objectives and individual work goals consistent with overall product development goals and timelines
Use and champion best practices for mechanical engineering design while managing, coaching, and mentoring other engineers
Provide administrative leadership and demonstrate best practices for planning, staffing, budgeting, and project/program cost tracking
Create risk mitigation strategies that identify, prioritize and triage technical risk for new product and program development
Create development timelines and outline key milestones for program advancement that account for risk mitigation strategies
Communicate technical progress, health of development activities, program risks/mitigations and key milestones to senior leadership and executive team
Manage feasibility studies of the designs to determine if capable of functioning as intended
Prepare reports and presentations to communicate technical assessments and analysis results
Generate technical reports for submission to regulatory agencies
Create, document and communicate intellectual property
Coach, develop, and manage the engineering team through influential leadership, balancing the development objectives of the team with the needs of the organization