Senior NPI Manufacturing Engineer, Single Port Systems

Primary Function of Position

Develop, Validate, and Continuously Improve the processes and tools for low-volume manufacturing and testing of complex robotic capital equipment used for minimally invasive robotically assisted laparoscopy.

The role requires effective participation in sustaining and new product development teams, involves providing support for manufacturing lines, developing manufacturing equipment, and refining electro-mechanical components, assemblies, process documentation, tooling, and test methods. Additionally, it involves challenging product designs to improve efficacy, reliability, manufacturability, and cost for robotic surgical equipment.

Essential Job Duties

• Design, qualify, release, and implement tools, fixtures, and processes.
• Resolve failures of varying complexity, of both process and hardware nature.  Identify specific root cause and implement solutions to improve yield/manufacturability.
• Assist in product design reviews with a focus on DFX methods.
• Write validation protocols for equipment and PPQ Protocols for line level qualification.
• Create and revise work instructions for assembly and test processes, and train manufacturing team on new content.

• Manage and examine data for CPK and process capability, and implement improvements based on data.
• Support Supplier Engineering, Purchasing, Planning and Quality teams to resolve line facing issues.
• Create, review, and revise Risk Management documents such as PFMEA.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 7+ years in a manufacturing or design-related role, or 5 years with MS in technical discipline
• Mechanical Design / Tool Design
• Strong 3D CAD and Solid Modeling skills (Solidworks preferred)
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Necessary to engage with technicians, production management, product development, planning, purchasing, regulatory, inspection, customer support and clinical marketing organizations.
• ALM and PLM tools for Engineering Change Orders and Risk Management
• A continuous improvement mindset
• Knowledge of process controls, including Six-Sigma, CPk, etc.
• Technical problem-solving skills with ability to identify root cause and drive corrective action (Fishbone, 8D Analysis)
• Ability to employ statistical methods (Cpk, ANOVA, Design of Experiments,) in data analysis for process development and problem-solving.
• Able to travel periodically to suppliers or Intuitive manufacturing sites.
• Experience with managing projects around product and process changes.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work on fast-paced projects simultaneously.

Required Education and Training

• Minimum BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering, or similar relevant experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Excellent problem solving ability, including demonstrated ability to effectively design, execute, report on, and draw conclusions from experiments
• Demonstrated understanding of component manufacturing processes such as injection molding, transfer molding, thermoforming, machining, stamping, and MIM
• ISO9001, ISO 13485, or experience in medical device manufacturing environment
• MS degree in an engineering discipline listed above
• Excellent technical skills in prototyping, tooling development, and troubleshooting
• Machine tool experience
• Basic experience with software tools/scripting (eg. Matlab, Python, etc.)
• Foundation in design, fabrication, and assembly process development for complex mechanical assemblies
• Prior experience with Documentation and production control systems: Agile, SAP, MES
• Demonstrated ability to effectively design experiments, solve problems and implement them in manufacturing
• Experience in Just-In-Time, Demand Flow Technology, and Lean Manufacturing techniques
• Prior experience with complex device manufacturing
• Previous experience with ERP systems (preferred SAP)

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.

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.

Mandatory Notices

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 employees
who 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’s
start 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 on
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.

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.