Staff Optical Engineer

About the role

Surgeons need to see clearly in order heal their patients. Surgeons use the daVinci Surgical System for extended continuous duration under the intense stress of a surgical environment. Visual clarity and precise representation of the surgical field along with ease of use and optical comfort across the broad spectrum of surgeons are pillars of Intuitive's vision products.

The primary responsibility of this position is to model, test and demonstrate new display concepts developed by the Viewer Engineering team for the DaVinci system. This position will be perform hands-on modeling and experimental validation all of the key display metrics that the Viewer must deliver: brightness and contrast, image sharpness and resolution, white point and color gamut

It is desired that this position maintain an awareness of developing optical imaging techniques related to surgical imaging, augmented reality, and human perception.

This role will provide critical technical assistance when working with outside development partners for custom components and sub-assemblies. Our development partners should know about and share in Intuitive's mission so they can feel and understand the need for high quality and operational excellence. Strategic development of the supply chain must be a priority.

Skill/Job Requirements

• Masters Degree with 5 years of experience or PhD with 3 years of experience in Optical Engineering or Sciences, EE or Physics, with 3 years of display industry experience
• Skill in the use of at least one standard optical CAD package such as Zemax or Code V
• Experience in optical and opto-mechanical tolerance analysis
• Experience in designing molded plastic optics and light pipes, using non-sequential ray trace CAD tools
• Familiar with light sources such as LEDs and laser diodes and designing optics to process those light sources
• Understanding of standard lens fabrication technologies and their limits
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to meaningfully engage deeply technical individual contributors on specific activities
• Experience in practical lab methods to test optical phenomena associated with light sources, spatial light modulators, and complex optical systems
• Experience in data acquisition methods for gathering critical empirical data on prototypes of 3D display systems
• Basic familiarity with human visual perception, sources of visualize discomfort in 3D vision systems and evaluation methods
• undefined We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Additional Information

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.

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.

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

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.