Job DescriptionPrimary Function of PositionThe Endoluminal instrument design group at Intuitive is a dynamic and multidisciplinary team developing tools for the next generation of minimally invasive surgical robotics. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a focus on injection molding technology to conceptualize, develop, and verify new mechanical design concepts for the next generation of minimally invasive robotic flexible instruments. You will leverage your creativity and engineering analysis to the design of kinematics and user interfaces to ensure mechanical robustness from concept through verification and scaled manufacturing. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical, materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. This requires in-depth collaboration with cross-functional teams that will routinely leverage your technical and interpersonal skills as you develop a shared understanding of the new product requirements.
Essential Job DutiesMechanical Design
- Own mechanical assemblies for new instruments, focus on injection molding, from
concept through commercialization that meet demanding performance,
manufacturability, and reliability constraints using knowledge and experience to select
the optimal material and process (metal vs. plastic, molded vs. extruded vs. MIM vs.
formed, etc.). - Understand and design to optimize interfaces with mechanic, electronic, optic, and seal
elements. - Rapid development and iteration of proof-of-concept and high-fidelity prototypes of candidate architectures to satisfy requirements.
- Complete detailed drawings and robust tolerance analysis and update designs accordingly.
- Define engineering requirements and ensure candidate designs are backed by robust data prior to design freeze.
- Perform detailed 2D/3D tolerance analysis, FEA/simulation, and statistical modeling to
ensure robust design margins. - Troubleshoot component and prototype performance issues with speed, rigor, and
cross-functional collaboration. - Develop test methods, fixtures, and measurement tools to evaluate the performance of
robotic catheters and sub-assemblies. - Provide written protocols, reports, drawings, specifications, presentations, and perform
technical design reviews to solicit feedback on design activities on an ongoing basis. - Manufacturing, DFM/DFA, and Supplier Engagement
- Lead DFM/DFA discussions with cross-functional teams to understand key drivers of
product performance, durability, and ease of assembly. - Partner with suppliers on development and troubleshooting efforts to supply reliable,
complex components and assemblies. - Support transition to manufacturing, ramp-to-production, and lifecycle reliability
improvements. - Investigate and determine root cause of emerging design or manufacturing defects.
- Technical Leadership
- Utilize best-in-class mechanical design practices, precision engineering, tolerance-
driven design, and robust system integration. - Interface with clinical and human factor engineering to inform designs and identify user
needs. - Mentor and guide engineers on best practices in design and engineering with a
particular focus on designing for injection molding. - Support intellectual property creation and technical documentation.
QualificationsRequired Education and Training - Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or
similar technical field
Preferred Skills and Experience- Experience with designing products in a regulated industry - familiarity with the concepts
of design inputs, design outputs, traceability, and risk analysis. - Experience with metals, plastics, fabrication methods outside of injection molding such
as castings, extrusions, sheet metal, bonding and adhesives. - Experience in several of these areas: concept development, design analysis, hands-on
prototyping, hands-on fabrication, and performance and reliability testing. - Comfortable with ambiguity and able to build clarity and consensus among cross-
functional stakeholders. - Comfortable coding in Python, Matlab, C/C++, Labview, Arduino or similar tools.
- Experience with statistics and design of experiments.
- Firsthand machining experience and familiarity with test and metrology equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to think at a systems level, interface between multiple design
groups, and negotiate conflicting requirements. - Knowledge of component manufacturing processes such as injection molding, extrusion,
machining, wire EDM, MIM, heat treatment, electropolishing, laser welding, etc
Additional InformationDue 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.