Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, MP Systems

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary Function of Position The Staff Mechanical Engineer reports to a Manager of Mechanical Design Engineering and plays a key role in the development, stabilization, and scaling of da Vinci robotic platforms. This individual applies broad experience and professional judgment to resolve complex mechanical and manufacturing challenges, with a focus on new enhancement integration, complex root cause investigation and solutions and product scalability. Success in this role depends on the ability to independently assess variable factors, drive decisions that align with program goals, and deliver high-quality, innovative engineering solutions that support Intuitive’s mission to advance minimally invasive care.

Requirements

Minimum of 12 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 10 years with a Masters or PhD.
Strong foundation in mechanical design and analysis, including tolerance stack-ups, GD&T, FEA, materials selection, and DFM/DFA, with demonstrated ability to apply these principles to deliver robust, production-ready designs.
Proficient with CAD, simulation, and PLM tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, Windchill.
Demonstrated ability to lead root cause investigations.
Effective communicator with experience influencing technical and business decisions through cross-functional presentations.
Demonstrated experience mentoring junior engineers and collaboration across various functions.
Candidates with strong mechanical fundamentals and a genuine interest in Intuitive’s mission and values are encouraged to apply—especially those eager to grow within the medical device industry and thrive in a purpose-driven, collaborative culture.
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
Experience in regulated industries (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive) with working knowledge of standards and documentation frameworks such as ISO 13485, FDA QSR, IEC 60601, ISO 14971, ASTM standards, DHF, FMEA, and V&V protocols.
Experience integrating electrical and mechanical subassemblies into complex systems (thermal, structural, wiring, PCAs etc)
Experience with requirements architecture, interface controls in, in electromechanical systems
Experience supporting post-market performance through reliability engineering, serviceability design, or field failure analysis.
Comfortable with all phases of the product development lifecycle including design, analysis, debug, verification, transfer to manufacturing, and sustainment.
Strong track record of leading departmental and cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives from concept through completion

Responsibilities

Work in or lead cross-functional project teams to design, develop and verify modifications to robotic or other complex mechanisms.
Lead mechanical design of components and subsystems for da Vinci systems, with emphasis on new enhancements, electromechanical integration, thermal design
Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, DMAIC); support CAPA activities per quality system procedures.
Drive cross-functional decision-making aligned with program goals, collaborating with Engineering, Clinical, Human Factors, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, and Regulatory.
Partner with suppliers and Supplier Engineers to assess capabilities, resolve process issues, and ensure parts meet design specifications.
Mentor junior engineers in mechanical design principles, structured problem-solving techniques, and documentation best practices to support team development.
Identify and implement best practices between teams and engineering departments
Generate and maintain design control documentation.
Deliver impactful technical presentations to staff, leadership, and cross-functional teams, articulating trade-offs and design rationale.
Contribute to risk management activities through structured risk analysis, mitigation planning, and reliability assessments using FMEA and other methods.