Intuitive Surgical, Inc

Principal Mechanical Engineer - (Future Forward)

Intuitive Surgical, Inc$130K — $180K *
Healthcare
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering (advanced degree preferred).
  • 15+ years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in the medical device industry.
  • Expertise in high-precision mechanisms and electromechanical systems design.
  • Proven leadership in product development from concept to launch in regulated environments.
  • Strong mastery of engineering fundamentals, including FEA and GD&T standards.
  • Proficient in CAD tools, particularly SolidWorks, and experienced with complex assemblies.
  • Experience in rapid prototyping techniques and decision-making in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop complex electromechanical and robotic systems for surgical applications.
  • Lead the full engineering process from user requirements to verification/validation.
  • Make technology and design decisions while considering manufacturability and clinical needs.
  • Organize and lead multi-disciplinary R&D projects throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Mentor engineers, review technical output, and promote best practices.
  • Conduct technical reviews and contribute to regulatory compliance efforts.
  • Collaborate with software, electrical, and clinical teams throughout development.

Benefits

  • Market-competitive compensation packages, including base pay and equity.
  • Opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
  • Innovative environment promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Potential for impact on next-generation surgical technologies.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on technical leader and architect of mechanical systems to spearhead the design and development of next-generation surgical robotics instruments platforms. This is a pivotal role in our Future Forward/Advanced Development teams, ideally suited for a Principal or Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer with proven vision, creativity, and technical depth. You will own the mechanical system architecture, from novel concept generation through product launch and scaling, while fostering interdisciplinary innovation and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical System Architecture & Design
  • Architect, design, and develop complex electromechanical and robotic systems' instruments, and accessories for surgical applications.
  • Direct the end-to-end engineering process: from user requirements and technical specifications to innovative concept generation, prototyping, and verification/validation.
  • Guide technology and design decisions, balancing system reliability, manufacturability, risks, and clinical needs.

Project & Technical Leadership
  • Structure, organize, and lead multi-disciplinary R&D initiatives across the product lifecycle.
  • Mentor engineers across several projects, reviewing technical output, and fostering best practices.
  • Drive technical reviews, risk analyses, and contribute to regulatory/standards compliance.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Work closely with software, electrical, systems, clinical, and manufacturing teams throughout product development.
  • Observe clinical procedures and collaborate with clinicians to inform design and use requirements.
  • Present complex concepts and data clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Rapidly develop and iterate functional prototypes to realize candidate architectures and design solutions.
  • Contribute to patent development and IP strategy.
  • Stay abreast of technological advancements and facilitate knowledge sharing across teams.


Qualifications

Required:
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience). Advanced degree is a plus.
  • A minimum of 15+ years of relevant engineering experience (medical device industry preferred).
  • Deep expertise in the design of high-precision mechanisms, electromechanical systems, and complex tolerance stacks.
  • Demonstrated leadership driving new product ideas from concept to launch in regulated environments.
  • Mastery of engineering fundamentals, including first-principles analysis, FEA, GD&T (ANSI Y14.5), materials, design for reliability and manufacturability., and statistical analysis
  • Highly proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred): complex assemblies, production documentation, and DFM/DFA.
  • Proficient with rapid prototyping techniques.
  • Track record of effective mentorship, technical leadership, and decision-making in cross-functional teams.
  • Outstanding communication, organizational, and documentation abilities.


Preferred:
  • Experience with the full medical device product development process and volume manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with robotic system architectures, actuation, kinematics, and sensing.
  • Experience in design transfer to manufacturing, including test engineering and service.


Additional Information

Other:

Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

About Intuitive Surgical, Inc

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is an American corporation that develops, manufactures, and markets robotic products designed to improve clinical outcomes of patients through minimally invasive surgery, most notably with the da Vinci Surgical System. The company is part of the NASDAQ-100 and S&P 500. Intuitive Surgical has installed more than 5,000 surgical systems worldwide, and has more than 4,000 employees.
Learn more about Intuitive Surgical, Inc
Size
9,793 employees
Market Cap
$93.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+16.1%
Revenue
$4.3 billion
NASDAQ

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