Senior R&D Technician Lead for Robotic Surgery

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, seeks an engineering technician lead for the Future Forward group. You will contribute to R&D, NPI/NPD and manufacturing activities to refine instruments, electro-mechanical assemblies, tooling, and test methods.

You will manage a small team, design and assemble components, maintain lab layouts and equipment, and ensure quality and safety compliance while driving cost improvements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in equipment maintenance; 2+ years leading or coordinating people.
• GED is the minimum education requirement.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and schematics.
• PMC and Calibration (PMC) methods understanding.
• MS Office or equivalent for documentation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality tools (e.g., SPC).
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing environments.
• Expertise in medical device fabrication: machining, 3D printing, assembly; laser cutting/welding a plus.
• CAD proficiency; SolidWorks preferred; PDM usage.
• Electromechanical design experience; robotics preferred.
• High autonomy; works independently with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational skills; multitasking.
• Documentation and communication skills.
• Travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Work in a small cross-functional team to design, develop, and verify robotic surgical instruments.
• Lead a small team of technicians to build novel devices.
• Assemble components and mechanisms for novel devices.
• Layout engineering lab and support lab activities.
• Maintain and order lab equipment.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors to keep lab equipment in spec.
• Ensure compliance with Quality and Safety regulations.
• Monitor equipment KPIs and drive improvement projects.
• Ensure training completion on time.
• Support R&D to resolve technical problems.
• Track lab equipment expenses.
• Drive our Culture Strategy and principles.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Pneumatic systems

CAD (SolidWorks)

Lab equipment management

Documentation

Education

GED

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD tools

PDM

Job description

Intuitive Surgical, a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, seeks an engineering technician lead for the Future Forward group. You will contribute to R&D, NPI/NPD and manufacturing activities to refine instruments, electro-mechanical assemblies, tooling, and test methods.

You will manage a small team, design and assemble components, maintain lab layouts and equipment, and ensure quality and safety compliance while driving cost improvements.