Sr Supplier Engineer, NPI (Sunnyvale)

Company DescriptionIt 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 DescriptionPrimary Function of the Position:Responsible for ensuring suppliers meet ISI requirements for quality, service, delivery, and cost while driving continuous improvement in manufacturing and business processes. Evaluate and select suppliers, guide Engineering in sourcing decisions, and provide DFM input to support NPI. Lead supplier engagements across quality, cost, capacity, and risk, including hands-on debugging of complex assemblies to true root cause within supplier processes. Ensure alignment with applicable regulatory and electronic compliance requirements throughout design and manufacturing.Essential Job Duties:Debug complex supplier-related issues, including PCBAs, by tracing failures from system-level symptoms to component, process, or test root cause within supplier manufacturing; drive resolution through corrective actions and process improvementsApply regulatory and electronic compliance requirements (e.g., safety, EMC, environmental) across supplier selection, design, and manufacturing processesComplete part and process qualification deliverables, including Supplier pFMEA, IQ/OQ/PQ, inspection reports, Gage R&R, and process capability analysisDrive cost reduction, capacity improvement, and risk mitigation initiatives with suppliersSelect appropriate manufacturing processes and suppliers based on long-term fit and total cost of ownershipManage supplier changes, including process changes, production optimization, facility transfers, new equipment qualification, and line validationsInitiate and manage engineering changes (ECOs) to update specifications and drawings as neededOwn and drive supplier variances from issue identification through root cause, corrective action, and CAPA documentationEffectively prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projectsCommunicate project status clearly to cross-functional stakeholdersBuild and drive supplier development strategies to improve performance and capabilityEnsure appropriate documentation to support decisions, actions, and traceabilityDevelop and track key supplier and team metrics, driving timely execution against targetsLead supplier performance improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and structured problem-solving methods across multiple suppliersDrive supplier investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrenceProvide data-driven insights on supply base health and risks to managementDevelop and deliver supplier communications, including performance scorecardsPartner with Design Engineering and suppliers to support NPI by:Assessing supplier landscapes and readiness for product launchDeveloping supplier ramp plans based on capacity, quality, and business riskDriving DFM through early supplier engagement to improve manufacturabilityInfluencing supplier selection through structured evaluation and criteria developmentReview and disposition customer complaints, manufacturing variances, and first article inspections using risk-based judgmentEvaluate effectiveness of supplier corrective actions and identify opportunities for systemic improvementPerform other duties as requiredQualificationsQualificationsRequired Skill and ExperienceMinimum 5+ years of experience in engineering and manufacturing of electro-mechanical assemblies, PCBAs, cable harnesses, or metal componentsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to executive leadershipStrong interpersonal and team collaboration skillsProven track record of implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and SPC initiatives at suppliersStrong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple prioritiesExcellent analytical problem-solving skills with sound judgmentDemonstrated ability to evaluate and challenge supplier technical, quality, and business capabilitiesBroad knowledge of manufacturing processes, including key input variables impacting quality, cost, and capacity (e.g., metals, plastics, electronics, contract manufacturing)Working knowledge of applicable regulations and standards, including 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485Proficiency with standard business and engineering tools (e.g., Excel, Project, ERP systems such as SAP or Agile)Proven ability to influence and drive supplier performanceAbility to read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings, including GD&T, and effectively communicate technical informationRequired Education and TrainingBS in Engineering or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferredPrevious experience in engineering within consumer electronics, medical devices, or other electro-mechanical commercial productsStrong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering fundamentals Working ConditionsAbility to travel to suppliers on an as-needed basis – domestic and international.Preferred Skills and ExperienceAdvanced degreeMedical device industry experienceExperience in a high-volume manufacturing environment (medical device preferred)Supplier management or supplier engineering experienceCAD experience with 3D modeling toolsExposure to PCB/PCA design and layout tools (e.g., Allegro or similar), with the ability to interpret layouts and support root cause analysisExperience with statistical analysis software (e.g.,Minitab)Additional InformationDue 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 NoticesU.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 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.SummaryType: Full-timeFunction: ManufacturingExperience level: AssociateIndustry: Medical Device