Manager, Mechanical Engineering, Instruments & Accessories

Intuitive; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive seeks a Manager of Mechanical Engineering for Instruments and Accessories to guide a team of engineers through feasibility, development, launch, and post-market improvements for the da Vinci instruments and accessories.

You will partner with Product Management, Clinical Engineering, and Human Factors to translate customer needs into robust design proposals, oversee verification, and ensure on-time delivery in a regulated medical-device environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in mechanical product design or R&D
• 1–3 years as a people manager or leading teams in projects
• Experience in medical device product development or similar regulated environment
• Hands-on engineer who can collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Strong CAD and analysis skills, with ability to convey design concepts clearly

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical design engineers for instruments and accessories
• Develop product roadmaps and project plans aligned with business goals
• Collaborate with Product Management, Clinical Engineering, and Human Factors
• Oversee design transfer, verification, and documentation per QMS
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent within the group

Skills

People management

Mechanical design leadership

Medical device development

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD/analysis tools

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEM/FEA tools

Job 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.

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 here.

Primary Function of Position

The Manager of Mechanical Engineering for Instruments and Accessories leads a small to medium-sized group of mechanical design engineers in the development of instrument and accessory products for use on the da Vinci system. The Manager is responsible for guiding their team through all phases of the product lifecycle, from early feasibility through development, launch, and post-market improvements. The Manager contributes to cross-functional project teams and ensures efficient operation and development of their direct reports, aligning group objectives with business needs and project goals.

Essential Job Duties

• Collaborate with other key functions to create product roadmaps and project plans that address customer and business needs.
• Work with Product Management, Clinical Engineering, and Human Factors Engineering to develop in-depth knowledge of customer requirements as they relate to da Vinci surgical instruments and accessories.
• Translate customer needs and business strategies into product proposals and project plans in collaboration with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead a team of direct reports and participate in cross-functional project teams through all stages of product development to deliver high-quality products on schedule.
• Utilize and teach Intuitive’s product development processes, ensuring proper application within the team.
• Guide the creation of design requirements and solutions, including concept design, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and refinement.
• Motivate, train, and oversee direct reports to ensure quality and quantity of output.
• Coordinate team activities with other groups, interfacing with functions such as product management, business development, regulatory, clinical engineering, human factors, industrial design, and process & supplier engineering.
• Lead the team through ambiguity, challenges, and setbacks, distilling complex information and setting objectives for project success.
• Develop project staffing plans, schedules, budgets, and goals for the direct team.
• Ensure appropriate project documentation in accordance with Intuitive’s Quality Management System, including design requirements, design outputs, FMEAs, design verification, and design reviews.
• Support the creation and protection of intellectual property.
• Facilitate successful design transfer through engagement with downstream functions, including manufacturing engineering and supplier engineering.
• Build and maintain a capable direct team by recruiting, developing, and retaining talented individuals.
• Assign tasks, set priorities, and establish metrics to track progress toward group and individual goals.
• Manage drafters, technicians, and other support personnel as required.
• Assess employee performance, providing regular coaching & feedback, and addressing performance issues promptly.
• Support staff career development through thoughtful assignments and training opportunities.
• Manage lab equipment and resources to support effective team operations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Selfless leader who inspires trust and commitment within the team through integrity, passion, and professional excellence.
• At least 8 years of experience designing mechanical products or relevant R&D experience.
• At least 1-3 years of experience as a people manager or leading teams through project management or team leadership efforts.
• Experience in medical device product development or similar highly regulated environment.
• Hands-on engineering manager with a proven ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with all phases of the product development lifecycle, including design, implementation, debug, verification, qualification, and transfer.
• Strong design and analysis skills, and knowledge of CAD and analysis tools.
• Professional communication skills; able to present effectively to leaders and cross-functional groups.
• Project management, planning, and change-management skills.
• Ability to lead and influence direct reports and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• People management abilities to ensure team success through staffing, productivity, and development.

Required Education and Training

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience taking one or more commercial products through the full design, development, and launch cycle.
• Knowledge and experience working on surgical instruments or similar products (e.g., catheters, implants).
• Experience with robotic systems, including sensors, motors, and drive trains, is a plus.

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 employeeswho 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’sstart 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.