Principal Mechanical Engineer - (Future Forward)

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, us

Company Description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

Were a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

The Future Forward organization is Intuitive’s advanced concepts group. We explore emerging technologies, prototype next-generation solutions, and build software experiences that shape the future of robotic-assisted surgery.

If you're ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you'll find your purpose here.

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.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

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.