Mechanical Engineering Intern
Company Description
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.
Job Description
Primary Function of Position
We aim to make applying convenient for you! If you are enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate or graduate degree program, apply to this posting and it will ensure you are considered for the relevant openings within Mechanical Design Engineering for Summer 2026. The recruiting timeline for each specific role does vary, so we appreciate your patience as we consider your application throughout the recruiting season.
Please keep in mind the following:
We recommend that you apply early, before spots begin to fill
Each role is different, so ensure your resume is comprehensive to your skills, experience, education & training
You may receive an invite to apply for a specific opening
You can expect final status on your application by Spring 2026 and we’ll consider your application until then
Qualifications
Essential Job Duties
Performing engineering tasks, problem-solving and documentation activities related to medical device development and surgical robotic systems and instruments
Design, assemble and debug mechanical and/or electromechanical test fixtures to evaluate designs
Develop methods and execute performance tests on component and/or assembly prototypes to inform the design
Develop design concepts or refinement of design for the product
Communicating and collaborating with multiple teams and stakeholders to provide updates and provide task deliverables.
Work on substantive projects that have the potential to impact the future business of the company
Presenting a project you have been involved with and lessons learned to the organization
Required Skills and Experience
Strong communication skills
Ability to work well in a team environment
Required Education and Training
Current enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering or relevant Engineering degree-seeking program at the Bachelor’s level. Master’s level students will also be considered based on specific relevant experience.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Mechanical design and analysis skills, including statics, dynamics, kinematics, strength of materials and stress analysis
Hands-on experience creating rapid prototypes and mock-ups
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including injection molding and machining
Prior use of CAD to design components, assemblies and mechanisms in SolidWorks
Knowledge of and familiarity with Matlab or Python
Knowledge of electromechanical or mechatronics design
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.
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.
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.