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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD

Company Description

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.
As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.
Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.
Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.
Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

The successful candidate will steer early assessment, design, development, and testing of novel concepts for instrument and accessory related products. The candidate work within a technical team and with outside suppliers to develop and evaluate new technology solutions for customer and company needs, establish design requirements to meet customer needs, and refine designs for transfer to the New Product Development organization for commercialization. The successful candidate must excel in a high-energy team environment and be capable of creative problem solving when faced with the time pressures and incomplete information typical of early-stage product development.

Job Duties (as assigned)

 

  • Develop, prototype, evaluate, troubleshoot, and optimize new Ion endoluminal platform instrument and accessory mechanical designs
  • Capture and communicate design progress and defend / propose design decisions
  • Collaborate cross functionally to understand and drive clarity on clinical, usability, and business needs, and decompose these needs into design requirements
  • Explore new materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies that could benefit existing products or enable new product designs
  • Develop test methods as needed for design evaluations
  • Complete detailed drawings and conduct tolerance analysis
  • Drive failure investigations using rigorous but efficient experimental plans.
  • Develop and manage relationships with external vendors
  • Collaborate with process and supplier engineering to drive design for manufacturing and support successful design transfer.  
  • May mentor and guide technicians and junior engineers

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

  • 6+ years’ experience in a mechanical design role, 4+ years with MS, or 1+ with PhD.
  • Experience working within the product development process (concept phase to production). Familiarity with the product development lifecycle.
  • Proven ability to apply (or learn where needed, then apply) engineering first principles to understand and achieve quick and reliable solutions to engineering problems.
  • Exceptional mechanical aptitude and visual thinking skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills such as finite element analysis, statistics, and experimental designs.
  • Experience with a range of fabrication methods, both rapid and conventional with a variety of metallic and non-metallic materials. E.g. injection molding, extrusion, machining, wire EDM, MIM, heat treatment, electropolishing, laser welding, braiding, etc.
  • Proven ability to iterate prototypes and mock-ups rapidly
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Ability to present to a wide range of audiences.
  • Ability to interface with customers and potential business partners in a highly professional manner.
  • Proven ability to work well in a team environment as well as “solo” assignments.
  • Experience leading technical peers in small team projects.
  • Proficiency using CAD to create, fabricate, and document mechanical designs.
  • Familiarity with design for manufacturability approaches.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow through / sense of urgency
  • Self-starting, hands-on, and habitually curious
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities of moderate complexity as a matter of routine

Required Education and Training

  • BS (Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field)

Preferred Skills and Experience

 

  • Education: MS or PhD (Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field)
  • Understanding of mechatronics, robotics, and servo-controlled systems
  • Medical device product experience.
  • Catheter design experience a plus.
  • Experience with Matlab, python, and/or LabView.
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis
  • Familiarity with six sigma concepts and associated statistical tools
  • Firsthand machining experience
  • Experience developing requirements and performing risk assessment of candidate designs
  • Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary functions like clinical, human factors, industrial design, interaction design, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to be resilient, creative, and make progress when faced with organizational and project complexity and constraint

Additional Information

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

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.

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 salary ranges are listed.

Average salary estimate

$115000 / YEARLY (est.)
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max
$100000K
$130000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD, Intuitive

Are you a passionate mechanical design engineer looking for your next challenge? Join Intuitive as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD in Sunnyvale, CA! At Intuitive, we firmly believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care, and our mission for over 25 years has been to innovate and improve healthcare through advanced technology in robotic-assisted surgery. As part of our dynamic team, you'll be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge instrument and accessory products. Your role will involve everything from early design assessment to prototyping and testing new ideas, ensuring they meet both customer needs and our high design standards. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, dive into new materials, and utilize your creativity to tackle complex problems. So, if you thrive in a high-energy environment, enjoy working closely with others and are excited about the chance to drive innovation in the medical field, we'd love to meet you. Not only will you be building products that change lives, but you'll also find a community that values diversity and individual contributions, allowing you to grow and succeed in your career. Let's make a difference together in the world of healthcare!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD Role at Intuitive
What are the primary responsibilities of a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD at Intuitive?

As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD at Intuitive, your responsibilities will include designing, prototyping, and optimizing new Ion endoluminal platform instruments and accessories. You'll work within a collaborative team and interact with external suppliers to develop innovative technology that meets customer needs. Your role will also require you to establish design requirements, evaluate materials and manufacturing processes, and conduct detailed analyses to ensure the success of new products.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer position at Intuitive?

For the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role at Intuitive, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Additionally, 6+ years of experience in a mechanical design role is required, with a strong emphasis on product development processes. Familiarity with various fabrication methods and strong problem-solving skills are also essential. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or PhD are preferred but not mandatory.

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How does Intuitive support the growth and development of its Senior Mechanical Design Engineers?

Intuitive is committed to the long-term growth of its team members, offering various development opportunities including mentoring and training programs. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will have access to resources that foster learning and skill enhancement, including exposure to the latest technologies and collaborative projects with cross-disciplinary teams, ensuring you continuously evolve in your career while making impactful contributions.

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What skills are crucial for a successful Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD in the medical device industry?

Success in the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD role at Intuitive calls for a deep understanding of engineering principles, creativity in problem-solving, and exceptional mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with design for manufacturability, experience with a range of fabrication methods, and strong analytical skills are fundamental. Additionally, proficiency in CAD software and excellent communication skills are essential for presenting ideas and collaborating effectively with teams.

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What is the working environment like for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD at Intuitive?

At Intuitive, the working environment is collaborative and inclusive, designed to foster innovation and creativity. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD, you'll engage in a high-energy atmosphere surrounded by passionate professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. The team actively values diverse perspectives and encourages brainstorming and open dialogue, ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions are respected.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - NPD
Can you describe your experience with rapid prototyping techniques as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer?

In answering this question, highlight specific rapid prototyping methods you have used, such as 3D printing or CNC machining. Explain how these techniques have aided in your design process, improved efficiency, and allowed for faster iterations or adjustments to your designs. Discuss a particular project where prototyping played a crucial role in overcoming design challenges.

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How do you ensure your designs meet customer needs as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer?

Explain your approach to gathering and analyzing customer feedback to define design requirements. Discuss how you collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical and usability experts, to create products that are user-centric. Providing a real-world example of how customer input influenced a design decision will illustrate your ability to focus on customer satisfaction.

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What strategies do you employ to troubleshoot and optimize designs during the development process?

Outline your systematic approach to troubleshooting, such as conducting detailed failure analyses or iterative testing. Discuss how you use data to make informed decisions about design adjustments and optimizations. Sharing an instance where such strategies significantly improved a project's outcome will demonstrate your practical application.

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Describe a time when you had to balance multiple engineering projects simultaneously?

Provide a specific example where you successfully managed overlapping deadlines and priorities. Discuss how you organized tasks, communicated with team members, and used project management tools to stay on track. Highlight any techniques you employed to ensure quality and efficiency across your projects.

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How do you mentor junior engineers and technicians in a team setting?

Discuss your mentoring philosophy, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing and creating an inclusive environment. Provide examples of specific mentoring activities you've engaged in, such as conducting training sessions, offering guidance on projects, or encouraging skills development. Showcase your commitment to fostering the growth of others within your team.

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What role does material selection play in your design process as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer?

Explain your process for evaluating material options based on factors like performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. Discuss any relevant experiences where material selection directly impacted the success of a design, and be sure to include how you stay current with emerging materials and technologies.

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Can you elaborate on your experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

Discuss the FEA tools you are proficient in, how you apply them to validate and optimize designs, and the advantages they offer in predicting real-world performance. Providing specific examples of designs you analyzed will showcase your expertise and analytical capabilities.

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What is your approach to integrating feedback from clinical professionals into your designs?

Describe how you facilitate discussions with clinical professionals to gather insights that inform your designs. Highlight your ability to translate clinical feedback into actionable design changes. Sharing a specific instance where clinical input led to a significant design enhancement will strengthen your response.

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How do you maintain compliance with regulatory standards in your design work?

Explain your familiarity with relevant regulatory standards, such as those specific to medical devices, and discuss how you ensure designs align with these requirements throughout the development process. Mention any specific examples of navigating compliance challenges in past projects.

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What tools and software do you use for mechanical design, and how do they enhance your workflow?

Mention specific CAD and simulation software you are skilled in, discussing how they benefit your design process through improved accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration. Offer a practical example of how a tool facilitated a complex design or led to substantial project improvements.

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Founded in 1995, Intuitive Surgical, Inc develops, manufactures and markets robotic technologies designed to improve clinical outcomes and help patients return more quickly to active and productive lives. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale,...

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March 24, 2025

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