Mechanical Engineer, Instruments Design Team, Future Forward

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a hands-on mechanical engineer with a focus on the mechanical design of robotic instruments, contributing to the exploration of a novel system concept for a new application of surgical robotics. 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 Mechanical Engineer will focus on the development of robotic surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgical applications. 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 creative and innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional research and development teams
Experience with multiple of the following: metals, plastics, welding, plastics molding, extrusions, testing, process equipment, adhesives, and/or disposable medical products
Familiarity with multiple phases of the product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, qualification, and transfer, experience with all is preferred
Proficiency using CAD to design and document mechanisms; SolidWorks preferred
Experience with ASME and/or ISO drafting standards
Knowledge of component manufacturing processes
Excellent written and communication skills
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Experience with design standards (FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, IEC 60601 preferred)
Robotics experience preferred
Experience with GD&T preferred

Responsibilities

Work in a cross-functional project team to design and develop complex mechanical subsystems within a novel robotic platform, including design and procurement of components, prototype assembly and builds, and design and development of testing and assembly fixtures and methods
Design and document components and assemblies for instruments and accessories for robotic surgical systems
Design, develop and troubleshoot testing fixtures and test methods
Design and develop manufacturing fixtures and manufacturing instructions
Analyze and test product prototype designs, critically analyze results, and make design changes or recommendations to the design team
Provide written protocols, reports, and presentations related to design activities on an ongoing basis
Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (software, electrical, clinical, and manufacturing) on the design of robotic surgical instruments and related systems
Create and maintain SolidWorks CAD databases, including assemblies, components, and detailed drawings
Observe clinical cases and interface with clinical experts to inform designs and identify user needs
Document, prepare, and review patent submissions
Provide support for pre-clinical and clinical labs