Sr Mechanical Design Engineer

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in injection molding to conceptualize, develop, and verify new mechanical designs for minimally invasive robotic instruments in Sunnyvale, CA.

The role requires expertise in material selection, manufacturability, and reliability, with collaboration across mechanical, electronic, optic, and clinical teams to drive robust, scalable solutions from concept through production.

Qualifications

• Expert in mechanical design for medical instruments.
• Strong experience with injection molding and DFM/DFX.
• Proficient in 2D/3D tolerance analysis and FEA.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical assemblies for new instruments with injection-molding focus.
• Design interfaces with mechanical, electronic, optic, and seal elements.
• Develop rapid proofs-of-concept and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Create detailed drawings, tolerancing, and design updates.
• Lead DFM/DFA discussions with cross-functional teams.
• Support transition to manufacturing and lifecycle improvements.

Skills

Mechanical design

Injection molding

Tolerance analysis

F EA / Simulation

Education

null

Tools

DFM/DFX

FEA

Job description

Job Description

Primary Function of Position
The Endoluminal instrument design group at Intuitive is a dynamic and multidisciplinary team developing tools for the next generation of minimally invasive surgical robotics. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a focus on injection molding technology to conceptualize, develop, and verify new mechanical design concepts for the next generation of minimally invasive robotic flexible instruments. You will leverage your creativity and engineering analysis to the design of kinematics and user interfaces to ensure mechanical robustness from concept through verification and scaled manufacturing. The successful candidate will have both the technical depth to resolve complex mechanical, materials and manufacturing design issues and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team to troubleshoot to root cause higher level system issues. This requires in-depth collaboration with cross-functional teams that will routinelyleverage your technical and interpersonal skills as you develop a shared understanding of the new product requirements.

Essential Job Duties
Mechanical Design

• Own mechanical assemblies for new instruments, focus on injection molding, from
  concept through commercialization that meet demanding performance,
  manufacturability, and reliability constraints using knowledge and experience to select
  the optimal material and process (metal vs. plastic, molded vs. extruded vs. MIM vs.
  formed, etc.).
• Understand and design to optimize interfaces with mechanic, electronic, optic, and seal
  elements.
• Rapid development and iteration of proof-of-concept and high-fidelity prototypes of candidate architectures to satisfy requirements.
• Complete detailed drawings and robust tolerance analysis and update designs accordingly.
• Define engineering requirements and ensure candidate designs are backed by robust data prior to design freeze.
• Perform detailed 2D/3D tolerance analysis, FEA/simulation, and statistical modeling to
  ensure robust design margins.
• Troubleshoot component and prototype performance issues with speed, rigor, and
  cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop test methods, fixtures, and measurement tools to evaluate the performance of
  robotic catheters and sub-assemblies.
• Provide written protocols, reports, drawings, specifications, presentations, and perform
  technical design reviews to solicit feedback on design activities on an ongoing basis.
• Manufacturing, DFM/DFA, and Supplier Engagement
• Lead DFM/DFA discussions with cross-functional teams to understand key drivers of
  product performance, durability, and ease of assembly.
• Partner with suppliers on development and troubleshooting efforts to supply reliable,
  complex components and assemblies.
• Support transition to manufacturing, ramp-to-production, and lifecycle reliability
  improvements.
• Investigate and determine root cause of emerging design or manufacturing defects.
• Technical Leadership
• Utilize best-in-class mechanical design practices, precision engineering, tolerance-
  driven design, and robust system integration.
• Interface with clinical and human factor engineering to inform designs and identify user
  needs.
• Mentor and guide engineers on best practices in design and engineering with a
  particular focus on designing for injection molding.
• Support intellectual property creation and technical documentation.