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. 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.

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

About This Opportunity: 

We are looking for an experienced optical engineering leader to advance the development of novel optomechanical devices through early R&D, engineering development, and commercialization.  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of architecting and leading the development of advanced optical systems for medical applications from prototype to commercialization.

Responsibilities:

• Work as both a team leader and an individual contributor in architecting and leading the design and implementation of advanced optomechanical hardware and software
• Provide technical leadership and direction to mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering team members
• Work closely with product management and company leadership to hone multi-generational optical product strategy and requirements
• Oversee the specification, selection, and qualification of active and passive optical components, develop and benchmark system performance models, develop and implement test procedures and evaluate and select appropriate test instrumentation
• Provide multi-discipline support to instrumentation development and production by overseeing the resolution of technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems; testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes
• Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts
• Apply and oversee quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action
• Generate detailed optical system requirements, design specifications, and test protocols for the company’s quality system
• Provide technical input to regulatory, clinical, and product teams and participate in cross-functional discussions on overall short-term and long-term program strategy

Minimum Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, or related field with 10+ years industry experience, including 5+ years as a manager / technical leader
• Expert knowledge in optical physics, optomechanics, and optical systems design & characterization
• Familiarity with optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax or similar
• Work experience in the medical device field throughout all phases of the product development lifecycle (architecture, design, implementation, debugging, verification, validation and transfer to manufacturing)
• Demonstrated ability to deliver successfully under schedule pressure
• Strong analytical skills and a creative mindset

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.