- Robot type
- Surgical and Medical
- Location
- SunnyvaleCaliforniaUSA
- Job type
- Hardware
- Posted
- Sep 16, 2026
Full-time
Sr/ Staff Human Robot Interaction Design Engineer
Job description
The Human Factors Design Engineer (HFDE) is part of the Human Factors (HF) organization that aims to maximize usability and desirability of Intuitive products while minimizing risk through scientific research and usability engineering. HFDE is focused on research and design within product development of new robotic systems, instruments and accessories. This role works closely with product managers, clinical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer scientists, industrial/ interaction designers, regulatory affairs, quality and design controls, and other cross functional teams.
The HFDE position reports to a Manager within the broader HF organization at Intuitive.
Job responsibilities
- Tele-operations would be good/motion control/haptics
- Apply deep expertise in robotics, HRI, HMI, and mixed-methods research to identify unmet user needs, performance limitations, and opportunities for future product innovation.
- Represent Intuitive during formative research with clinicians and customers across global markets.
- Independently generate, prioritize, and communicate actionable design insights that shape product strategy, influence development priorities, and advance human factors capabilities.
- De-risk design strategies focused on the analysis of human performance, workflow, and usability factors, while identifying and mitigating systemic usability risks across product lines.
- Serve as the human factors lead for complex development initiatives, partnering with engineering, clinical, product management, quality, and regulatory teams to drive usability-centered design decisions.
- Influence product and business decisions by balancing user needs, safety, usability, technical feasibility, and organizational priorities.
- Lead the definition and management of usability design inputs across robotic systems, instruments, and accessories, translating research findings into actionable user and interface requirements.
Job requirements
- Minimum 5+ years relevant experience in industry.
- Excellent technical communication skills (verbal, written, and formal presentation) and business acumen.
- Ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of information into simple, accessible, and meaning communications to stakeholders.
- Knowledge and ability in one or more complex robotic systems, including mechanical design (kinematics/ mechanisms), sensing and perception, control systems, software engineering (programming/ simulation) and…
- Ability to work with and across various groups and levels of management within the organization, including other engineering groups, marketing, clinical engineering, and regulatory.
- Ability to apply user-centered design and usability engineering principles to product research, development, and design.
- Experience in medical device, or similar regulated industry, a plus.
- Experience with design engineering in product development.