Senior Supplier Engineer

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

3h•$136,500 - $231,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Engineer is responsible for manufacturing process selection and supplier selection and qualification for components used in Intuitive’s next-generation robotic platforms. The role drives supplier engagement and technical strategy across technologies such as motion control systems, electromechanical assemblies, electronics, and precision mechanical components. It works closely with product development partners in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Operations, Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Manufacturing Engineering, and Program Management to achieve New Product Introduction (NPI) objectives. The position calls for strong technical expertise, cross-functional influence, and the ability to build and lead high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced product development environments. The role includes supplier strategy, technical assessment, manufacturing readiness, risk mitigation, design-for-manufacturability, design-for-supply-chain, and cost and performance improvement activities. The position is a day-shift role with a set schedule and weekly onsite work; the percentage of onsite work is defined by the leader. Travel to domestic and international suppliers is required as needed, estimated at 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or equivalent.
Eight or more years of related experience in Manufacturing, Operations, Supplier Development, or a related field.
Proven ability in New Product Introduction.
Outstanding analytical skills and good judgment.
Strong knowledge of GD&T.
Proficiency in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques.
Proficiency in pFMEA, process validation, root-cause investigation, inspection, and test techniques.
Knowledge of document management systems and ERP systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing processes and key input variables affecting quality, cost, and capacity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated project management skills.
Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers as needed (25%).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Knowledge of Agile and SAP preferred.
Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 preferred.
Experience in a high-volume medical device company is a plus.
Significant medical or medical-device experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive supplier engineering strategy for critical technologies in NPI programs.
Drive supplier selection, qualification, development, and technical risk mitigation.
Partner with Engineering and Sourcing teams to influence architecture, supplier engagement strategy, and make-versus-buy decisions.
Lead technical assessments of supplier capabilities, manufacturing readiness, quality systems, and scalability.
Drive design-for-manufacturability and design-for-supply-chain excellence throughout product development.
Partner with Program Management to identify, communicate, and mitigate program risks.
Drive supplier selection, technical assessment, cost optimization, performance improvement, and manufacturing readiness for motor assemblies; encoders and sensing technologies; gearboxes; brakes and actuation mechanisms; bearings, rails, ball screws, and precision motion hardware; PCBAs; cable assemblies and interconnect systems; precision machined components; castings and forgings; and sheet metal assemblies.
Build partnerships across engineering, operations, quality, sourcing, manufacturing, and executive leadership teams.
Influence technical and business decisions without direct authority.
Facilitate alignment among stakeholders with competing priorities.
Communicate effectively with collaborating teams.
Travel to domestic and international suppliers as needed (25%).