NPI Engineering Technician

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical is seeking an NPI Engineering Technician in Sunnyvale, CA to support the build, integration, test, and troubleshooting of early-stage systems and assemblies. You will work with engineering and manufacturing teams to execute builds, identify issues, and provide feedback for product readiness.

The role involves developing and refining manufacturing processes, fixtures, and tooling, plus hands-on training for production teams and transfer to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex electromechanical systems.
• Ability to systematically troubleshoot hardware and identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, BOMs and specs.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and safe handling of delicate components.
• Adaptability in a dynamic development environment with evolving designs and requirements.
• Strong technical documentation for build issues and process feedback.
• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently while escalating risks.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Support assembly, integration, bring-up, and testing of Alpha, Beta, clinical, and early production systems and assemblies.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical assemblies using docs and tools.
• Document findings and provide clear feedback to engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Use hand tools and test equipment to assemble, modify, inspect, test, and troubleshoot components.
• Support development and evaluation of fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
• Assist with development of assembly procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing docs.
• Support product transfer to production with hands-on training and guidance.
• Provide manufacturing engineering support during early production builds for issue resolution and changes.
• Maintain organized work areas compliant with 6S and quality requirements.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Troubleshooting hardware

Reading engineering drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent工作

Education

Associate degree in Engineering Technology or related

3+ years of relevant experience

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Tools

CAD software

ERP systems (SAP/PLM)

Job description

Primary Function of Position

(Brief statement (3-5 sentences) describing the reporting structure, main responsibility(s) and key function(s) which will contribute to the overall success of the individual in this job)

This NPI Engineering Technician role supports the build, integration, test, and troubleshooting of early-stage systems and electromechanical assemblies through Alpha, Beta, clinical, and early production phases. This role works closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to execute builds, identify and troubleshoot hardware and process issues, and provide actionable feedback to improve product and process readiness. This role supports development and refinement of manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, and documentation as products mature. This role also plays a key part in transferring product and process knowledge to production teams through hands‑on training and build support.

Essential Job Duties

(Specific responsibilities and tasks an individual would be expected to perform in the role. Additional job duties may be determined by functional people manager)

• Support assembly, integration, bring-up, and testing of Alpha, Beta, clinical, and early production systems and electromechanical assemblies.

• Perform hands‑on troubleshooting and debugging of complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical assemblies using engineering documentation, diagnostic tools, and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Identify build, design, and process issues; document findings and provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering and other cross‑functional teams.
• Use hand tools, measurement equipment, and test equipment to assemble, disassemble, modify, inspect, test, and troubleshoot system components and assemblies.
• Support the design, build, modification, and evaluation of engineering prototypes, test fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
• Support development, qualification, and validation activities for manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and processes.
• Assist with development and refinement of assembly procedures, test methods, work instructions, and other manufacturing documentation based on early‑build learning.
• Support product and process transfer to production, including hands‑on training and technical guidance for manufacturing technicians.
• Provide manufacturing engineering support during early production builds, including troubleshooting build issues and supporting implementation of engineering changes.
• Maintain organized work areas and equipment in accordance with 6S, safety, quality system, and applicable documentation requirements.

Required Skills and Experience

(Specific skills, knowledge, and experience that an individual must possess in order to successfully perform in job)

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical systems.
• Ability to systematically troubleshoot hardware and process issues and identify potential root causes and corrective actions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, assembly documentation, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely handle delicate mechanical and electrical components.
• Ability to execute builds in a dynamic development environment where designs, processes, and requirements may change rapidly.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including the ability to clearly document build issues, troubleshooting results, deviations, and process feedback.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross‑functional teams.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working independently while appropriately escalating technical issues and risks.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Training

(As applicable - Specific education and training that an individual must possess in order to successfully perform in job)

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of technical training and relevant hands‑on experience.
• Typically 3+ years of relevant experience supporting complex electromechanical products, engineering development, manufacturing, system integration, or a related technical environment.
• Ability to perform repetitive assembly and test activities while sitting or standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment or assemblies weighing up to 50 lbs.

Working Conditions

(As applicable - Any physical requirements for the job. If not applicable, state “none”)

None.

Preferred Skills and Experience

(As applicable - Specific skills, knowledge, and experience that are not required to perform the job, but are desirable to have)

• Experience supporting NPI, prototype, alpha, beta, clinical, pilot, or other early‑phase product builds.
• Experience with complex capital equipment, robotic systems, medical devices, or other highly integrated electromechanical systems.
• Experience with structured troubleshooting, root cause analysis, failure analysis, FMEA, or similar engineering problem‑solving methodologies.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous‑improvement principles.
• Experience developing, modifying, or supporting test fixtures, tooling, and engineering prototypes.
• Experience supporting equipment, fixture, tooling, or process qualification and validation activities.
• Experience training production technicians and supporting product/process transfer from engineering into manufacturing.
• Familiarity with CAD, engineering drawings, tolerance analysis, and GD&T.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, or manufacturing systems such as SAP and Agile.
• Knowledge of GMP, GDP, Quality System Regulations, and controlled manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, post‑processing, rework, and modification techniques.

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.

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.

Were 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.

The Future Forward organization is Intuitive’s advanced concepts group. We explore emerging technologies, prototype next‑generation solutions, and build software experiences that shape the future of robotic‑assisted surgery.

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