Sr Developmental Prototype Technician

Job Description

Primary Function of Position:
The primary objective of a Developmental Prototype Technician is to provide fabrication and assembly of engineering prototypes from mechanical and electrical engineering drawings. 3D printing, fabrication of wiring harnesses, and assembly of developmental prototypes from parts lists and CAD drawings support quick-turn research development.  The prototypes are toleranced robotic mechanisms driven by control electronics.  Troubleshooting, testing, repairs, and equipment maintenance will support an in-house electromechanical prototype process. This person will play a significant role in the areas of developing new solutions in an early-stage research environment.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Work with cross-functional teams to develop early prototypes of robotic and sub-system elements for medical robotic systems.
• Develop, prototype, test, and document design solutions.
• Provide rapid development and iterative design support for the testing of new technology, including 3D printing, wire harnessing, and assembly and integration of mechatronics into early functional prototypes.
• Develop, test, evaluate, and report performance of prototypes by developing test fixtures and the performance of prototype test procedures.
• Provide technical support to other company stakeholders on electronics and robotic surgical technology.
• Documentation of prototype assembly processes, wiring, and test protocols.

Qualifications

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

• AS required, BS preferred
• Ideally 5+ years of developmental prototyping, preferably with Class II or III medical devices
• Experience with rapid prototyping, mechanical, and electronics is preferred.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced environment developing early-stage technologies.
• Familiarity with rapid prototype solutions, including 3D printing, SLA, SLS, tapping, heat steaking, drill press, sheet metal, and other light fabrication
• Familiarity with assembly techniques and work instructions, assembly tools, micrometers, and assembly gauges.
• Experience with electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and power supplies. Execute engineering-level tests and collect data to support the design of experiment activities or characterize a device.
• Document findings of investigation in quality notifications, which are part of official Device History Records.
• Collaborate with research engineers to resolve functional design issues.
• Test fixture development and collaboration with engineers on test protocols.
• Comfortable with early phase product development lifecycle, including implementation, debugging, and verification.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral) across all levels and organizations and to effectively communicate complex technical issues to a non-technical audience
• Knowledge of 3D printing, coordination with machine shop and rapid prototype services, bill of materials maintenance, and parts sourcing preferred.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical CAD.
• Early-stage rapid prototyping and testing.
• Machining experience is a plus.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout experience is a plus.

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.