Optical Engineer

Intuitive; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive is seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to lead design, development, and testing of advanced optical systems for next-gen ML/AI medical applications. You will work at the intersection of optics, biomedical engineering, and AI, joining a fast-paced team of engineers, data scientists, and clinicians.

The role involves end-to-end design, prototyping, validation, and collaboration across functions to deliver safe, effective imaging solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD required in optics or related field.
• Deep knowledge of optical design, wave optics, and instrumentation.
• Experience with optical CAD tools (Zemax, CODE V, LightTools).
• Proven ability to translate designs into benchtop prototypes and tests.
• Scripting in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or C/C++ for lab automation.

Responsibilities

• Testing, alignment, calibration, and characterization of optical systems.
• Collaborate with AI/ML teams to optimize optics for feature extraction and data acquisition.
• End-to-end design and prototyping of optical subsystems for medical imaging.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate optics into devices.
• Maintain design docs and compliance with medical device regulations.

Skills

Deep optical design knowledge

Wave optics

Ray tracing

Optical instrumentation

Python/MATLAB scripting

Benchtop prototyping

Education

Ph.D. in Optics/Optical Engineering/Physics/Bioengineering

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

LightTools

FRED

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:
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced optical systems tailored for next-generation Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) medical applications. In this role, you will work at the intersection of optics, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence, helping to turn complex optical data into actionable diagnostic and therapeutic insights. You will join a fast-paced, collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of hardware engineers, software developers, data scientists, and medical professionals.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Testing & Integration: Conduct rigorous laboratory testing, alignment, calibration, and characterization of custom optical systems to ensure optical performance meets strict AI data quality requirements.
• AI/ML Pipeline Collaboration: Work closely with data science and machine learning teams to design optical hardware optimized for AI feature extraction, data acquisition, and automated diagnostic workflows.
• Design & System Development: End-to-end design, modeling, and prototyping of optical systems (including lenses, illumination setups, detectors, and fiber optic delivery systems) targeted for medical imaging and sensing.
• Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork: Collaborate with biomedical engineers, mechanical designers, firmware engineers, and clinical experts to integrate optical sub-systems into complete medical devices.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain thorough design documentation, optical schematics, test protocols, and design histories in compliance with medical device regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA guidance).

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

• Education: Ph.D. in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• Deep knowledge of optical system design principles, wave optics, ray tracing, and optical instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience with optical CAD and modeling software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, LightTools, or Fred).
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and scripting for laboratory automation using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or C/C++.
• Proven track record of taking optical designs from concept to benchtop prototype and testing.

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
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.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [e-mail].

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.