Staff Optical Engineer

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, seeks an Optical Engineer to model, test, and validate new display concepts for the DaVinci viewer. You will work hands-on to quantify brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color, ensuring high optical performance in a surgical environment.

Ideal candidates have advanced degrees in optical engineering and hands-on experience with Zemax or Code V, tolerance analysis, and 3D display systems.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree with 5 years of experience or PhD with 3 years in Optical Engineering or Sciences, EE or Physics, with 3 years of display industry experience.
• Experience with at least one optical CAD package such as Zemax or Code V.
• Experience in optical and opto-mechanical tolerance analysis.
• Experience in designing molded plastic optics and light pipes using non-sequential ray trace CAD tools.
• Familiar with LEDs and laser diodes and optics to process those light sources.
• Understanding of lens fabrication technologies and their limits.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to engage deeply technical contributors.
• Experience in practical lab methods to test optical phenomena related to light sources and 3D display systems.
• Experience in data acquisition for prototypes of 3D display systems.

Responsibilities

• Model, test and demonstrate new display concepts for the DaVinci viewer.
• Perform hands-on modeling and experimental validation of key display metrics: brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color.
• Maintain awareness of optical imaging techniques related to surgical imaging and AR.
• Provide technical assistance to outside development partners for components and sub-assemblies.
• Contribute to strategic development of supply chain considerations.

Skills

Optical Engineering

Tolerance analysis

Non-sequential ray tracing

LEDs and laser diodes optics

Analytical skills

Education

Master's Degree in Optical Engineering

PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

• Ways of Working: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
• Employee Type: Employee
• Min. Salary Region 1: 205600 USD
• Global Job Level (HCM): Professional 5 (13)
• Min. Salary Region 2: 174800 USD

Company 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.

Job Description

Job Description:

Surgeons need to see clearly in order heal their patients. Surgeons use the daVinci Surgical System for extended continuous duration under the intense stress of a surgical environment. Visual clarity and precise representation of the surgical field along with ease of use and optical comfort across the broad spectrum of surgeons are pillars of Intuitive’s vision products.

The primary responsibility of this position is to model, test and demonstrate new display concepts developed by the Viewer Engineering team for the DaVinci system. This position will be perform hands-on modeling and experimental validation all of the key display metrics that the Viewer must deliver: brightness and contrast, image sharpness and resolution, white point and color gamut

It is desired that this position maintain an awareness of developing optical imaging techniques related to surgical imaging, augmented reality, and human perception.

This role will provide critical technical assistance when working with outside development partners for custom components and sub-assemblies. Our development partners should know about and share in Intuitive’s mission so they can feel and understand the need for high quality and operational excellence. Strategic development of the supply chain must be a priority.

Qualifications

Skill/Job Requirements:

Masters Degree with 5years of experienceor PhD with 3 years of experience in Optical Engineering or Sciences, EE or Physics, with 3years of display industry experience

Skill in the use of at least one standard optical CAD package such as Zemax or Code V

Experience in optical and opto-mechanical tolerance analysis

Experience in designing molded plastic optics and light pipes, using non-sequential ray trace CAD tools

Familiar with light sources such as LEDs and laser diodes and designing optics to process those light sources

Understanding of standard lens fabrication technologies and their limits

Strong analytical skills and the ability to meaningfully engage deeply technical individual contributors on specific activities

Experience in practical lab methods to test optical phenomena associated with light sources, spatial light modulators, and complex optical systems

Experience in data acquisition methods for gathering critical empirical data on prototypes of 3D display systems

Basic familiarity with human visual perception, sources of visualize discomfort in 3D vision systems and evaluation methods

undefinedWe are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Additional Information

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.

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.