Engineering Inspector Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

Primary Function of Position:

The Inspector Level 3 will be performing dimensional and visual inspections of incoming product parts, assemblies and products to ensure incoming part specifications have been met prior to release to manufacturing and finished goods.  IQC Inspector will also inspect First Articles and Engineer Inspection Requests, when requested. 

Essential Job Duties 

• Perform detailed Documentation Review to ensure all required data and certifications are accurate and present for each lot of parts or assemblies. 
• Perform daily inspections of incoming parts which will include various types of parts and materials from electronic assemblies, PCB’s, metal structures and components, optical precision parts, and various plastic parts.
• Conduct visual inspection of purchased parts materials and assemblies to ensure it meets the required cosmetic and/or feature details listed in parts’ specifications.
• Record Inspection results in computer-based software
• Create inspection history files and upload them to ERP system.
• Maintain traceability of component materials as to inspection status
• Handle materials in accordance with procedures and prevent mix-ups, damage or other adverse effects.
• Use company ERP system (Inventory Control) to transact and release materials for production use.
• Physically move materials to released areas.
• Create non-conforming reports in SAP for parts that fail their incoming specifications.
• Communicate inspection results to engineers and work with them to improve inspection methods or drawing clarifications.

• Verify and maintain the accuracy of lot identification and count of materials.
• Can perform Gage R&R studies requested by the engineers and others.   
• Ability to perform a complete FAIR inspection of a mechanical part using various types of inspection tools and equipment.
• Performs any other projects or duties that may be assigned.

Required Skills and Experience 

• Operate standard metrology equipment (caliper, height gauges, micrometer, bore gauges, dial indicators, surface plate, etc.) for open set-up inspection.
• Operate and utilize Optical comparators and Vision Systems (Smart Scope, Keyence, or Dynascope) to inspect parts.
• Interpret simple and complex mechanical drawings and understand GD&T concepts to inspect parts using the correct type of inspection tool or equipment.
• Requires understanding of SAP or other ERP systems to be able to perform lot transactions is a bonus skill set.
• Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

• Must be able to use or understand the use of standard inspection tools, gauges and Optical Comparators.

Required Education and Training 

• High school diploma, A.S. Engineering Degree would be a bonus.
• 4-6 years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance is required.

Working Conditions 

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices

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.