Entry Level Quality Inspector Jobs in California

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 IQC Inspector I is an entry-level quality role primarily responsible for incoming documentation review, material certification verification, ERP transaction processing, and release of incoming material for manufacturing use. This position ensures that incoming material packages meet quality system requirements and maintain accurate records to support traceability and compliance. The position may perform basic visual inspections and limited dimensional verification while developing inspection knowledge and skills.

Essential Job Duties

• Review Certificates of Conformance, test reports, inspection reports, and supplier documentation to verify compliance with purchase order, drawing, and specification requirements.
• Verify completeness and accuracy of incoming material documentation packages.
• Perform material release transactions within SAP or applicable ERP systems.
• Create and maintain inspection history records and electronic quality documentation.
• Ensure traceability information is complete and accurate.
• Process nonconforming material documentation and create quality notifications when required.
• Communicate documentation discrepancies to Quality Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, and supervisors.
• Support inventory accuracy and material disposition processes.
• Perform visual inspection of incoming materials and assemblies.
• Conduct basic dimensional verification using standard measuring tools when required.
• Learn blueprint reading and GD&T fundamentals.
• Support quality projects and continuous improvement activities.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify documentation discrepancies.
• Ability to review technical documents, certifications, and manufacturing records.
• Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn SAP, ERP, and electronic quality systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities in a high-volume environment.

Required Education and Training

• High school diploma, A.S. Engineering Degree would be a bonus.
• 0-2 years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to remain in a stationary sitting/standing position for extended periods while performing documentation review, material verification, and inspection activities.
• Requires frequent walking between IQC workstations, receiving areas, warehouse locations, and material storage areas.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers, monitors, keyboards, and barcode scanning equipment.
• Requires visual acuity to review documentation, labels, certifications, part markings, and computer-generated records.
• Work is performed in both office and warehouse environments where temperatures may vary throughout the year and may not always be climate controlled.
• May require bending, reaching, kneeling, and handling containers or materials during receiving and disposition activities.
• Must be able to work safely around material handling equipment, carts, forklifts, and warehouse traffic.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending upon task and location.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience reviewing manufacturing records or quality documentation.
• Experience with SAP or ERP systems.
• Understanding of traceability requirements.
• Experience within medical device, biotech, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Basic understanding of inspection tools and manufacturing drawings.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing..

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 employeeswho 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'sstart 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.