Senior Mechanical Tech - Surgical Robotics Prototyping

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician focused on the mechanical design of next‑generation robotic instruments. This role joins a small, innovative team in early product development to translate R&D concepts into fully functional prototypes.

The successful candidate will perform hands‑on prototyping and manufacturing, operate lathe/mill/laser welders, use metrology tools, and work with SolidWorks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience supporting a mechanical engineering group in product development.
• Minimum Associate of Science degree, or equivalent work experience.
• Hands-on prototyping and manufacturing methods including laser welding, soldering, microscopy, and bonding.
• Manual dexterity to assemble small components with magnification.
• Knowledge of catheter materials and manufacturing processes (laminating, braiding, bonding, tipping).
• Ability to inspect components using calipers, micrometers, vision systems, and CMM.
• Microsoft Office skills and SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist early prototype builds, fabrication, assembly, material procurement and inspection.
• Assemble prototypes per engineering design/instructions.
• Fabricate/modify components using standard prototyping equipment (lathe, mill, laser welder).
• Debug and test engineering prototypes; collect and report test results.
• Prepare prototype instruments for benchtop testing and preclinical evaluations.
• Create test/assembly fixtures and contribute to production fixture design.
• Document assembly procedures and train technicians; support knowledge transfer.
• Setup, organize, and maintain engineering lab and equipment.
• Provide input for protocols and reports for verification studies.

Skills

8+ years experience

Prototyping

Manual dexterity

SolidWorks

Lab organization

Metrology tools

Soldering

Laser welding

Microscope inspection

MS Office

Education

Associate of Science degree

Tools

Lathe

Mill

Laser welder

Microscope

CMM

Soldering equipment

Job description

Intuitive Surgical in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician focused on the mechanical design of next‑generation robotic instruments. This role joins a small, innovative team in early product development to translate R&D concepts into fully functional prototypes.

The successful candidate will perform hands‑on prototyping and manufacturing, operate lathe/mill/laser welders, use metrology tools, and work with SolidWorks.