Staff Mechanical Engineer - Future Opportunity

Job Description

The Staff Mechanical Design Engineer independently owns technically demanding mechanical and electromechanical subsystems for robotic systems. You will lead subsystem architecture and detailed-design decisions, resolve complex multidisciplinary problems, and contribute to integration decisions beyond your assigned subsystem.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role combining mechanical design ownership with technical guidance and mentorship. The role reports to a Manager of Mechanical Design Engineering in New Product Development.

Essential Job Duties

• Own subsystem development from concept through verification and design transfer, including mechanical requirements, specifications, design-risk analyses and verification documentation. Support validation activities with the responsible functions.
• Lead subsystem architecture decisions. Compare alternatives and justify tradeoffs.
• Design precision mechanisms, joints and actuation assemblies. Select and size components such as motors, bearings, transmissions, brakes and sensors based on operating loads, motion requirements and expected life.
• Use first-principles calculations and simulation to establish load paths, component margins, structural stiffness, dynamic behavior and fatigue life. Check assumptions and correlate models with test results.
• Create and release CAD models, manufacturing drawings and design documentation. Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis to functional interfaces, assembly requirements and inspection.
• Build, test, debug and iterate prototypes. Develop test methods and fixtures, investigate failures, and verify corrective actions.
• Work directly with suppliers, supplier engineering, sourcing and manufacturing to resolve technical issues, improve DFM/DFA and cost, and prepare designs for transfer.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, controls, clinical, human factors, manufacturing, supplier engineering/sourcing, quality and regulatory partners to resolve requirements and subsystem interfaces.
• Lead technical reviews and guide other engineers’ design and analysis approaches. Plan technical work across functions, set priorities, resolve risks and mentor engineers through problem-solving.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience developing robotic or complex electromechanical products in a regulated industry, with demonstrated independent subsystem ownership from concept through design transfer.
• Working knowledge of design controls, risk management, verification and validation.
• Deep expertise in first-principles mechanics and precision mechanisms, with demonstrated ability to perform stiffness, dynamics and fatigue analysis.
• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerancing, materials, DFM/DFA and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing rotary or linear joints, sizing components, and justifying decisions through analysis; integrating actuation and sensing; and collaborating effectively with controls and electrical engineers.
• Hands-on prototyping experience, including assembly, testing, debugging, and rapid iterations.
• Proficient with CAD, simulation, and PLM tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, and Windchill.
• Demonstrated technical leadership through design reviews, cross-functional decision-making, stakeholder influence and engineer mentorship.
• Experience with risk management activities including FMEA, risk mitigation, and reliability assessments.

Required Education and Training

• Required: Typical minimum Bachelor’s degree plus 14 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 10 years, or a PhD plus 6 years.
• Preferred: Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

Working Conditions

• On-site four days per week in Sunnyvale, CA.
• May involve extended periods of computer-based design and analysis work.
• Must be comfortable occasionally working in lab environments, including prototype assembly, mechanical testing, and safe use of standard mechanical tools and fixtures.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and handle 25 pounds.
• Travel: 10%, including occasional visits to supplier and manufacturing sites.

Preferred Skills and Experience

The following skills and experience are not required but represent attributes of an ideal candidate.

• Experience developing Class II or Class III medical devices, particularly surgical robotics or medical device capital equipment.
• Direct application of standards and documentation frameworks such as ISO 13485, FDA QMSR (21 CFR Part 820), IEC 60601, ISO 14971, and DHF.
• Experience supporting production launch, manufacturing scale-up or post-launch reliability investigations, and applying those lessons to new product designs.

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.

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