Staff Optical Engineer

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

The Staff Optical Engineer will model, test, and demonstrate new display concepts developed by the Viewer Engineering team for the da Vinci Surgical System. The role focuses on hands-on modeling and experimental validation of key display metrics, including brightness and contrast, image sharpness and resolution, white point, and color gamut. These capabilities support clear, precise surgical visualization and optical comfort for surgeons using the system for extended periods in demanding surgical environments. The position also provides technical assistance to external development partners working on custom components and subassemblies, with an emphasis on high quality, operational excellence, and strategic supply-chain development. The engineer is expected to maintain awareness of developing optical imaging techniques related to surgical imaging, augmented reality, and human perception.

Requirements

Master’s degree and 5 years of experience, or Ph.D. and 3 years of experience, in Optical Engineering or Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or Physics.
3 years of display industry experience.
Skill using at least one standard optical CAD package, such as Zemax or Code V.
Experience in optical and opto-mechanical tolerance analysis.
Experience designing molded plastic optics and light pipes using non-sequential ray-trace CAD tools.
Familiarity with light sources such as LEDs and laser diodes, and with designing optics to process those light sources.
Understanding of standard lens fabrication technologies and their limits.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to engage deeply with technical individual contributors on specific activities.
Experience with practical laboratory methods to test optical phenomena associated with light sources, spatial light modulators, and complex optical systems.
Experience with data-acquisition methods for gathering critical empirical data on prototypes of 3D display systems.
Basic familiarity with human visual perception, sources of visual discomfort in 3D vision systems, and evaluation methods.

Responsibilities

Model, test, and demonstrate new display concepts developed by the Viewer Engineering team for the da Vinci system.
Perform hands-on modeling and experimental validation of display brightness and contrast, image sharpness and resolution, white point, and color gamut.
Provide critical technical assistance when working with outside development partners on custom components and subassemblies.
Maintain awareness of developing optical imaging techniques related to surgical imaging, augmented reality, and human perception.
Prioritize strategic development of the supply chain and support high quality and operational excellence among development partners.