Principal Mechanical Engineer Metals and Materials
Core
Lead metals and materials engineering for the da Vinci Surgical System, focusing on instrument reliability, failure analysis, and manufacturing process optimization.
Role type
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Metals & Materials)
Builds
Robotic surgical instruments and accessories for minimally invasive surgery
Domain
Medical devices / Robotics / Materials Science
Required skills
metallurgy of high-performance alloys, failure analysis and fracture mechanics, metallographic characterization, manufacturing process optimization (MIM, forging, laser processing), regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO 13485), risk analysis, technical mentorship
Preferred skills
medical device product development, CAD design (SolidWorks), reprocessing and sterilization effects, reliability modeling (Weibull), computational materials tools (FEA), robotic surgical instrument architecture, high-performance plastics (PEEK, PEI, PPSU)
Technologies
SEM, EDS, XRD, SolidWorks, FEA
Responsibilities
Evaluate and qualify metallic materials for instrument designs, lead wear and friction characterization studies, conduct failure analysis on field returns, develop surface treatment and coating processes, design material testing protocols, optimize manufacturing processes, perform risk analysis for regulatory approval, mentor engineering staff, resolve field and manufacturing issues, contribute to patent development
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategic oversight
