Staff Mechanical Engineer

Intuitive Surgical•Sunnyvale, CA

39d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary Function of Position The Senior Research Engineer, Advanced Energy, is responsible for supporting investigations of complex system behaviors related to new advanced energy applications at Intuitive. Their focus will be on conducting experiments to support design and development of novel advanced energy instruments, contributing to the exploration of a novel system concept for new applications in surgical robotics. They will be a core member of the Advanced Research team responsible for supporting innovative technology development and commercialization. They will possess the ability to deeply understand individually complex mechanical, electrical, and biological systems while also working effectively within an interdisciplinary team to analyze higher-level system interactions and outputs. They must have strong technical depth in relevant areas and have a track record of successful research within a product development framework. Using their subject matter expertise, exceptional communication skills, and resourcefulness, they will identify key questions, and will design and execute experiments to support evidence-based development of advanced energy systems for novel clinical applications. They will thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment, bringing a strong commitment to quality research and development. Key attributes include curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset. They must excel in a small-team setting, with a shared sense of responsibility and reward, and must consistently deliver high-fidelity results.

Requirements

Typical minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience, 3+ years with a Master's, or a relevant PhD and minimal to no experience
Demonstrated strong cross-functional collaboration, ability to influence without authority, and project/task management enabling highly effective teams
Demonstrated experience leading the design and execution of experiments, development of test methods, and analysis of results within a medical device or scientific R&D setting
High autonomy and ability to work independently under limited supervision to determine and develop solutions
Ability to differentiate between low-level and critical issues and communicate them fluidly with all stakeholders
Hands-on experience in the application of both mechanical and electrical principles in a research and setting
Experience with bench and hybrid tissue test methods and test method development
Ability to write basic scripts to support data analysis, deduct inferences, and visualize experimental data; Matlab or python preferred
Familiarity with basic circuits and electrical equipment such as oscilloscopes
Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral) across all levels and organizations
Minimum education: BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience
Must be available to work full-time and commute/relocate to Sunnyvale, CA
Up to 10% travel. Some international travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or similar discipline
Experience with standard molecular biological testing such as flow cytometry, ELISA, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and gel electrophoresis
Hands-on experience with electrosurgical or other electromechanical surgical or minimally invasive non-surgical instruments
Runs towards critical issues, ambiguous requirements, or loosely defined challenges.
Familiarity with medical device design controls and associated standards including 21 CFR 820.30 and ISO 14971
Understanding and familiarity with basic statistical methods for sample size calculations, experimental design, blocking, model fitting, regression-based analyses, etc.
Familiarity the product development lifecycle

Responsibilities

Work within a small, cross-functional project team to identify and prioritize research foci based on clinical, product and business needs
Develop solutions to diverse engineering problems requiring use of ingenuity and creativity. Leverage internal/external resources as necessary to achieve project objectives.
Design/execute efficient and targeted experiments related to electro-mechanical systems, components, and sub-assemblies using computational, benchtop, ex vivo, and in vivo models
Compile and analyze experimental results; distill findings and implications clearly to stakeholders
Generate quantitative evidence in support of product and functional requirements
Document research findings in whitepapers and technical documents following standard engineering and scientific practice, Intuitive DOPs, etc.
Collaborate with immediate team and broader business to effectively utilize available company resources (facilities and personnel) throughout the research process
Work with mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical engineers to investigate and perform root cause analyses of emerging technology, design, manufacturing, or material defects
Hands-on testing of equipment, fixtures and devices to support proof of concept, design development, pre-clinical and V&V activities
Review and critically interpret academic literature and prior art to inform research path, documentation, and conceptualization of new experimental systems
Utilize statistical methods to inform experimental design and data analysis
Observe clinical cases and participate in interviews with clinical and subject matter experts to inform research focus
Contributes to a strong team culture around high expectations and high performance
Keeps the organization's vision and values at the forefront of decision making and action
Performs other duties as required to support the company's overall strategy and goals