Principal Mechanical Engineer - (Future Forward)

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. We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. The Future Forward organization is Intuitive’s advanced concepts group, exploring emerging technologies, prototyping next-generation solutions, and building software experiences that shape the future of robotic-assisted surgery.

About the role

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 pivotal role in our Future Forward/Advanced Development teams is 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Other

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Due to the nature of our business and the role, proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19 may be required.

Pay

The target compensation ranges are listed below. Base salary will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

• Base Salary Range Region 1: $220,000 - $330,000
• Base Salary Range Region 2: $187,000 - $280,500

Schedule

• Shift: Day

Workplace Type

Onsite - This job is fully onsite.