3 first-hand experiences · See open roles at Intuitive
Intuitive Surgical (maker of the da Vinci surgical robot) runs different loops depending on role. Engineering roles (robotics/controls, embedded, manufacturing SWE) lean on a hiring-manager conversation about past projects paired with a domain-specific technical round covering fundamentals like control theory, mechatronics and motor control rather than heavy LeetCode. Clinical Sales Associate and field-service candidates go through an OR field ride where they shadow a rep and the surgical team during real da Vinci cases; the day doubles as an evaluation of poise, judgement and OR etiquette, with a candid conversation with the rep about background and motivation folded in.
These 3 writeups cover robotics mechatronics engineering, embedded software, manufacturing software and other roles. All of them were posted under a pseudonym (Reddit, GeeksforGeeks or forum handles), so we could not verify the authors’ identities.
Most frequently reported · Past projects(3), Behavioral(2), Clinical scenarios(1), Control theory(1), Domain knowledge(1)
622 open roles in our index · advertised pay floors run $126k-$233k (median $223k, from 12 postings that state pay).
Control theory·Mechatronics·Past projects·Behavioral·OR etiquette·Clinical scenarios·Domain knowledge
Outcome not shared1 round
One hour split evenly: half spent walking the hiring manager through past projects, half a live technical on controls and mechatronics fundamentals (linearizing a non-linear system, kinetic energy of a spring-mass setup, motor control basics).
Covered · Past projects, Mechatronics, Control theory, System dynamics
Shared by SlowAFRunner94 on reddit · 2026-05-12
Outcome not shared2 rounds
Full day shadowing an Intuitive rep in the operating room across da Vinci cases in Europe. Candidate observed the robot in use, was walked through procedure types and introduced to surgeons and OR nurses; comportment in the OR was itself part of the evaluation.
Covered · OR etiquette, Clinical scenarios, Behavioral, Domain knowledge
Informal, conversational interview woven into the field ride: background, current job, and what drew the candidate to the CSA role. Most of the time was actually the rep answering the candidate's questions and giving success tips for the territory.
Covered · Past projects, Behavioral, Sales roleplay
Shared by Mean_End2099 on reddit · 2025-08-15
Received an offer1 round
First-ever onsite for the poster; only detail confirmed post-interview was that it went well and they heard back. Format specifics (leetcode vs experience-based) were not disclosed in the thread even after follow-up questions from other candidates.
Covered · Past projects, Behavioral
Shared by Top-Mix6174 on reddit · 2025-08-27
These guides summarize public, first-hand interview experiences shared by candidates. They describe the shape of each loop and the topics that came up, not a leaked question bank, and every experience links back to its original source. Processes change often. Treat this as directional prep, not a script.