Senior Thermal Design Engineer

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 PositionThe Senior Thermal Design Engineer is expected to use machine design and analytical skills to conceptualize, develop and verify new mechanical designs. They must utilize creativity and sound engineering judgment in the design of structures, kinematics, robotic actuation and sensing solutions. They are responsible for key system components and will interface with suppliers and manufacturing to build high-quality hardware prototypes and productize new designs. They will be expected to excel in a focused, high-energy, collaborative work environment with a team of talented engineers. They should be capable of making sound decisions when faced with the time pressures, ambiguous, and incomplete information typical of research and development. Essential Job DutiesSystem thermal design, analysis and testingInfluencing assembly architecture and designing mechanical assemblies, with careful consideration for kinematics, drivetrain components, servo motors, sensors, safety mechanisms, and failure contingenciesRapid development and iteration of full-scale prototypes of candidate architectures and mechanism designs to satisfy requirementsCreate product functional requirements and design specifications, authoring concept and design documentation for a regulatory controlled environmentPerform design FMEADesigning for reliability, cost and manufacturabilityDeveloping and performing component verification testing and product validation testingSupporting final product delivery by troubleshooting process, component and system issues.Collaborating with vendors, suppliers and manufacturing in the prototype and design-transfer phase.Providing technical guidance and mentorship for team members.QualificationsQualificationsRequired Skills and ExperienceExperience/ownership with product development lifecycle phases including design, analysis, debug, verification, transfer to manufacturing, and sustainmentBackground in thermal system architecture, design and analysis including associated simulation environmentsTechnical expertise with one or more of the following: mechanism design, servo motors, brakes, encoders, harmonic drives and alternatives, sensors, roboticsAnalysis potentially including statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress, fatigue and reliabilityDesign, analyze and document components, structures, and mechanical assemblies in SolidWorks or similar CAD softwareStrong understanding of component or material selection criteria, and design for reliability and manufacturabilityDemonstrated knowledge of a wide variety of component manufacturing processesProficient in GD&T and tolerance stack analysisStrong hands-on prototyping skills such as 3D Printing and machine shop equipmentDesigning and executing experiments on strength or functionCapable of using MATLAB to create or modify test scripts and system softwareDemonstrated excitement to learn and quickly analyze tough technical problems, thinking creatively and fundamentally about the solutionAbility to communicate effectively, both written and orallySelf-driven with the ability to excel in a high-energy, small, focused team environment, to maintain a strong sense of shared responsibility and rewardAbility to lead and mentor other engineersRequired Education and TrainingMinimum BSMEMinimum 8 years of relevant experienceWork experience in mechatronics, robotics, surgical or medical devices a plus. FDA or other regulated industry preferred.Preferred Education, Skills and ExperienceMS Mechanical EngineeringSurgical or medical device experience, regulated industry experienceExpertise in ANSYS, MATLAB, and PYTHONAdditional 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.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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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: EngineeringExperience level: AssociateIndustry: Medical Device