Intuitive Surgical

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

The Sr 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.

Essential Job Duties

• 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.