Principal Electrical Engineer – Medical Robotics Systems

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 229,000 - 343,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the technical direction for the Advanced Energy portfolio within the da Vinci system. You will shape architecture and roadmaps, and mentor teams to deliver safe, high‑impact medical devices.

Based in Sunnyvale, CA, this role requires deep hardware design expertise, regulatory insight (FDA/IEC), and strong cross‑functional collaboration. Travel ~5–10% and a proven track record of launching multiple products through the full

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (BSEE) required.
• 15+ years experience in related electrical engineering roles.
• 8+ years hands‑on medical device product development including multiple products through design verification/validation and regulatory clearance (FDA 510(k)/PMA or equivalent).
• Proficient in mixed signal and embedded system design; patient‑isolated PCBA design.
• Experience with IEC 60601‑1, IEC 60601‑1‑2 EMC, IEC 60601‑2‑2 HF surgical equipment.
• Willingness to travel ~5‑10%.
• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities; ability to influence architecture and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Technical Ownership: Define product requirements across multiple programs within the Advanced Energy portfolio.
• Technical Strategy & Roadmap: Define multi‑year technology roadmap for energy‑based surgical platforms.
• System Integration: Ensure designs meet specs and integrate into systems.
• Development & Testing: Develop, validate, and document hardware solutions meeting clinical/enviro requirements.
• Problem Solving: Resolve design, manufacturing, or field challenges.
• Prototyping: Guide prototyping and feasibility studies for future concepts.
• Stakeholder Support: Advise senior leadership in technical reviews.
• Organizational Influence: Represent engineering in cross‑divisional reviews; influence decisions at business‑unit level.
• Quality & Regulatory: Define risk management and verification/validation planning per ISO 14971, support regulatory submissions.
• Clinical Collaboration & Validation: Partner with clinicians to validate device performance; support cadaver studies/animal studies.

Skills

Mixed signal design

Embedded system design

Patient‑isolated PCBA design

Design for reliability/manufacturab

PCB fabrication/assembly/testing

Medical electrical equipment standards

Technical leadership/mentorship

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree (BSEE)

Advanced degree (MSEE or PhD)

Tools

EMC testing equipment

Job description

Intuitive Surgical is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the technical direction for the Advanced Energy portfolio within the da Vinci system. You will shape architecture and roadmaps, and mentor teams to deliver safe, high‑impact medical devices.

Based in Sunnyvale, CA, this role requires deep hardware design expertise, regulatory insight (FDA/IEC), and strong cross‑functional collaboration. Travel ~5–10% and a proven track record of launching multiple products through the full