Thermal Systems Architect – Vision Hardware

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a Thermal Design Engineer to own the thermal architecture for Da Vinci Vision hardware. You will lead airflow, heatsinks, and cooling strategies while coordinating with mechanical, optical, electrical, and software teams.

The role requires 3+ years in thermal engineering, CFD/FEA modeling, and experience with medical device design controls. Travel up to 10% may be expected; vaccination considerations apply.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field; thermals focus preferred.
• 3+ years in thermal engineering for electronics cooling and testing.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer, fluids, and thermal management.

Responsibilities

• Own thermal design, analysis, testing, performance, and compliance for vision hardware products.
• Develop thermal solutions including heat sinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, TIMs, and fans.
• Create analytical, CFD, and FEA models and correlate with lab data.
• Plan thermal characterization, validation, and accelerated life testing.
• Define thermal limits and protection with electrical/software teams.
• Specify/qualify components and engage suppliers as needed.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, systems, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Support DFM/DFA for transfer from development to production.

Skills

Thermal engineering

CFD analysis

Heat transfer

Electronics cooling

Thermal testing

Python

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS Icepak

FLOTHERM / Fluent

Job description

Intuitive Surgical in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a Thermal Design Engineer to own the thermal architecture for Da Vinci Vision hardware. You will lead airflow, heatsinks, and cooling strategies while coordinating with mechanical, optical, electrical, and software teams.

The role requires 3+ years in thermal engineering, CFD/FEA modeling, and experience with medical device design controls. Travel up to 10% may be expected; vaccination considerations apply.