Sr NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Primary Function of Position
We are seeking a collaborative and technically strong Manufacturing Process Engineer to support next-generation vision and illumination systems for advanced bronchoscopic instruments. In this role, you will lead the development, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for complex electro-optical assemblies. You will partner closely with Design Engineering, Optical Engineering, Quality, and Supplier teams to ensure robust, scalable processes that deliver exceptional product performance and patient safety.

Essential Job Duties 

• Develop, release, and validate scalable manufacturing processes for advanced electro‑optical and electronic assemblies.
• Support integration and alignment of compact imaging and illumination components.

• Define robust assembly and inspection methods for precision electronic, optical, and fiber‑based subassemblies.
• Ensure high‑quality build and test practices across a range of multi‑disciplinary technologies.
• Perform statistical analysis including Cpk, process capability analysis, DOE, ANOVA, regression analysis
• Monitor yield trends and implement corrective actions to improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Create and maintain pFMEAs and mitigate identified risks.

• Utilize basic Python scripting to:
  • Analyze process and test data
  • Automate test data parsing and reporting
  • Support statistical evaluation and visualization
• Collaborate with automation, equipment, and test engineering to improve automated test coverage and data traceability.

• Partner with:
  • Optical and Electrical Design Engineers on DFM/DFX reviews
  • Clinical and Human Factors teams to understand imaging performance needs
  • Supplier Engineering on PCB and electro-optical components
• Support early NPI ramp to launch
• Provide hands-on support to the production line during issue resolution and scale-up.

• Lead root cause investigations involving vision and illumination.
• Implement yield and cycle time improvements in electro-optical assembly processes.

• Develop and revise detailed manufacturing process instructions for processes.
• Train technicians and manufacturing staff in new processes and quality standards.

Required Skills and Experience 

• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, preferably in electro-optical, medical device, imaging, or high-reliability electronics environments
• Experience working with electro-optical and electronic assemblies.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma tools, Cpk, DOE, statistical process control
• Root cause analysis experience (8D, Fishbone, DMAIC)
• Familiarity with ALM/PLM systems for ECO and risk management
• Basic coding proficiency in Python for data analysis or automation
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced NPI environment
• Willingness to travel occasionally to suppliers or manufacturing sites

Required Education and Training 

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

Working Conditions 

• none

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience in medical device manufacturing (ISO 13485)
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and regulated product development environments
• Hands-on experience with electro-optical and electronic assemblies
• Experience with Agile and SAP systems or equivalent
• Demonstrated success in experimental design and structured problem solving

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.

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.