Managing Staff Engineer

Job description

Primary Function of Position The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Staff Mechanical Engineer with a focus on the development of new instruments, contributing to the exploration of a novel concept for a new application of surgical robotics from proof of concept through detailed mechanical design, prototype manufacturing, and pilot level manufacturing. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development. The Future Forward team at Intuitive is a cross-functional team dedicated to the creation of the innovative medical robotic platforms, technologies and programs. We create transformational technologies in order to address the major pain points and unmet needs in our healthcare system. Our goal is to create the future of healthcare through platforms and ecosystems that empower providers and teams in order to deliver transformational life-enhancing care. The Staff Mechanical Engineer will develop robotic instrumentation for systems for minimally invasive surgical applications. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical, materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. They must excel in a high-energy, focused, small-team environment, and have a commitment to high quality prototypes and concepts and a demonstrated record of developing creating and innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality. Essential Job Duties Work in a small, cross-functional project team to design, develop, and verify robotic surgical instruments and the interface between robotic instruments and systems Design components and mechanisms for machining and injection molding fabrication methods Own complex assemblies and interfaces to cross-functional hardware and software teams Develop test methods, fixtures, and measurement tools to evaluate the performance of individual components, sub-assemblies, and full assemblies Hands-on assembly and testing of equipment and devices to support proof of concept, design development, pre-clinical, and V&V activities Implement DFX principles such as design for manufacturing, usability, and reliability of first and next generation devices Generate requirements, design specifications, and test methods that drive product safety, performance, and durability Create and maintain SolidWorks CAD databases, including assemblies, components, and detailed drawings Provide support for pre-clinical and clinical labs Required Skills and Experience BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience Minimum 8 years of experience developing medical devices; experience with flexible devices is a plus A passion for solving challenging technical problems – Strong mechanical intuition and persistence to identify the root cause of a problem, solving problems using first principles Expertise in medical device fabrication methods such as machining and injection molding required. Other methods such as laser cutting and welding, wire EDM, stamping, braiding, and coiling is a plus Tolerance analysis and GD&T Proven track record of taking products from early concept feasibility to market. Medical devices is a strong plus Strong aptitude for experimental design, testing, and data analysis; experience with design of experiments (DoEs) and statistical analysis is a strong plus Knowledge of materials, plastics, metals, composites is a strong plus Demonstrated ability to think at a systems level, interface between multiple design groups, and negotiate conflicting requirements Proficiency using CAD to design parts and assemblies, creating specification drawings in a PDM environment; Solidworks strongly preferred Experience with electromechanical design is a strong plus (Robotics experience preferred) Familiar with in all phases of product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, qualification, and transfer Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management documentation control systems High autonomy and ability to work independently under limited supervision to determine and develop approach to solutions. Excellent organizational skills; Able to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously Excellent documentation and communication skills Ability to travel up to 10% of the time