Supplier Engineering Intern

Primary Function of Position

Intuitive Haptics Sensing group is evaluating a next-generation surgical robotic instrument that enables grip sensing, an emerging capability that enhances tactile feedback and precision for minimally invasive surgery. This position will support Intuitive’s broader strategic goal of evaluating and integrating advanced sensing technologies into future Haptic instruments. The intern will work to understand the clinical value, technology and supplier landscape, and supply chain ecosystem related to grip and tactile sensing.

Essential Job Duties 

• Collaborate closely with the Haptic Instrument Design and Clinical Engineering to understand the clinical and business value of grip and tactile sensing for minimum invasive surgery — and how it differentiates from existing force-sensing technologies in the market.
• In collaboration with the design and clinical teams, translate surgeon-driven requirements into supplier and technology criteria.
• Conduct a market and supplier assessment covering available and emerging technologies in grip/tactile sensing.
• Evaluate the ecosystem and supply Market from technology readiness, market trend, supply continuity, cost, and quality perspectives.
• Develop and present a market intelligence report summarizing findings, supplier comparisons, and recommendations for sourcing strategy.
• Potentially attend trade shows or participate in virtual/onsite supplier interviews to support research, depending on availability.

Required Skills and Experience 

Sensor operating principles

• Technical knowledge and hands-on experience with force, pressure, tactile, or haptic sensing principles.
• Familiarity with micro strain gauge, piezoelectric, capacitive, resistive, optical, semiconductor, or polymer-based sensors.

Analytical & Research Capability

• Ability to perform competitive technology research, and conduct market and supplier assessments.
• Ability to synthesize research into clear insights and recommendations.

Communication Skills

• Ability to collaborate with design engineers, clinical engineers, and supplier engineering.
• Experience presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong PowerPoint/writing skills.

University Hiring Program Eligibility Requirements:

• University Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in and returning to an accredited degree-seeking academic program after the internship.
• Internship Work Period: Must be available to work full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) during a 10-12 week period starting May or June. Specific start dates are shared during the recruiting process.

Required Education and Training 

• Current enrollment in Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical or Robotics Engineering or Materials Science, Applied Physics, or related degree-seeking program at the Master’s or PhD level.
• Understanding of sensing technologies (force, tactile, pressure, haptics, or MEMS-based sensing).
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate emerging technologies through experiments, literature review, or competitive analysis.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesize technical and market data.
• Strong communication skills; ability to collaborate with design, clinical, and supplier engineering teams.
• Ability to translate user/stakeholder needs into technical requirements.
• Experience preparing structured reports and presenting insights to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Familiarity with technology readiness, manufacturability, and supplier capability assessment
• Experience with robotics, surgical tools, or biomedical instrumentation.
• Prior research in sensors, robotics, wearables, biomechanics, MEMS, haptics, or material-based sensing.
• Industry or academic lab experience working with sensing systems.
• Exposure to market research / competitive technology analysis.

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.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay (paid at an hourly rate), benefits, and a housing allowance. 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 relevant skills and experience for this internship, degree-seeking academic program (PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s, etc), year in school, and location. The hourly rate is prorated against the intern program salaries listed and total program compensation will be based on internship duration.