Senior Supplier Engineer

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Contribute your supplier development and engineering skills to a dynamic development and manufacturing team that creates sensing platforms for minimally invasive robotic surgery. The Senior Supplier Engineer position is being added due to growth at Intuitive’s Blacksburg office. This role is responsible for ensuring suppliers consistently meet quality, cost, delivery, and service requirements to support both new product introductions and sustaining production. The position drives supplier development and process improvements to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure continuity of supply. It collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including product design, manufacturing, and supply chain to select and manage suppliers, provide design for manufacturability input, and execute strategic projects that optimize supplier performance. This position will be engaged with suppliers early and often, fostering strong supplier relationships, to enhance our Corporate vision/mission.

Essential Job Duties 

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies and risk mitigation plans to ensure continuity and scalability of supply.
• Lead and execute supplier qualification activities including Supplier pFMEA, process validations, inspection reports, Gage R&R, and process capability analysis.
• Select appropriate manufacturing processes and suppliers considering long-term fit, quality, capacity, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to provide DFM feedback and ensure manufacturability and compliance with quality requirements.
• Drive supplier continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, capacity improvements, and risk mitigation using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions).
• Manage supplier changes including manufacturing process changes, equipment qualification, facility changes, and production optimization.
• Own and drive closure of supplier variances and CAPAs with thorough root cause analysis and documentation.
• Monitor and communicate supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery and quality indicators, to internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Participate in supplier audits, assessments, and development to ensure compliance with quality management systems and regulatory standards.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, effectively prioritize tasks, and provide clear communication on project status to stakeholders.
• Support sustaining production by providing timely production support and addressing line issues related to supplier components.

Required Skills and Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver presentations and influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to motivate suppliers and lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical and process issues.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to translate data into meaningful strategic messaging.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing processes including machining, metal fabrication, plastics molding, electronics, and contract manufacturing, with understanding of key input variables for quality, cost, and capacity.
• Proficient in project management, problem-solving, and structured root cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate detailed mechanical drawings including GD&T.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ERP systems (preferably SAP).

Required Education and Training (As applicable - Specific education and training that an individual must possess to successfully perform in job)

• Minimum 8 years of experience in relevant field and a bachelor's degree in engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Working Conditions

• ~10% Travel to both domestic and international suppliers and Intuitive facilities

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

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.

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.