“Intuitive was a chance to use my technical background in a way that also matched my values—and that’s a rare opportunity.” Justin Peeples always wanted to build things that mattered. Today, as a senior manufacturing engineer in Peachtree Corners, he supports the processes that keep life-changing technology in the field while growing his career and contributing as a leader in BLACK at Intuitive Employee Resource Group.
What first sparked your interest in engineering?
My interest really started in high school in Decatur, Georgia. I’ve always liked math and science, but woodshop is what helped me understand how those subjects apply to the real world. I learned the fundamentals of working with my hands and started doing mechanical drawings—long before designing on computers, using paper, a T-square, and triangles. That gave me a strong sense of how things work in 3D space.
I went on to study physics at Morehouse College through a dual-degree program with Georgia Tech, where I completed my mechanical engineering degree. The combination of science and engineering laid the foundation for everything I do today.
How did your path lead you to Intuitive?
I started my career in manufacturing, first in automotive and later managing large automation projects. Along the way, I gained experience integrating mechanical systems with robotics, programming, and electrical components, but I didn’t always feel personally connected to the products I was helping make.
I had always been interested in the medical space, though. When I learned how Intuitive’s technology is helping customers improve surgical outcomes for patients, it aligned with what I wanted to do as an engineer. This was a chance to use my technical background in a way that also matched my values—and that’s a rare opportunity.
Tell us about your role as a senior manufacturing engineer.
I support service operations: We refurbish and return systems and components from the field, so our customers have the uptime they need. We’re essentially fulfilling inventory for our field service engineers, making sure they can help care teams get up and running and provide the best outcomes for their patients.
What’s really exciting about this role—and something I had never seen before in my career—is how closely manufacturing and design collaborate here. I can sit with design engineers and give direct feedback—for example, how the design of certain part affects assembly. Being part of a growing site also means I can help shape processes and systems as we scale, which is incredibly rewarding.
How have you grown since joining Intuitive?
The biggest learning curve was adapting to a regulated medical environment where documentation is critical. If you don’t document it, it didn’t happen. I had to change how I troubleshoot, test ideas, and approach problems—everything has to align with standard processes and regulation.
But I had strong mentorship from leaders and peers; at Intuitive, we have tons of support. Working through real issues—like supporting new design improvements while transferring production lines—pushed me to apply my previous experience in new ways. Those challenges deepened my understanding of both the product and the environment we operate in.
You’re also a leader in BLACK. What drew you to get involved?
When I joined Intuitive, it was the first time I’d worked somewhere that had Employee Resource Groups. I didn’t really know what it would be like. But once I attended a meeting, I realized it was a place where I could show up fully as myself—not just as an engineer, but as a Black man in engineering, which is still a rare space to be in.
For me, being part of BLACK is about participation and representation. It’s about sharing perspectives that might not otherwise be represented and helping create understanding across the company. Having a supportive platform to have those conversations in a positive way really matters.
I also believe that when a company creates space for listening, it’s our responsibility to use it: If you don't speak up, no one's going to hear you. If you don’t tell your story, no one’s going to know. The ERG gives us the opportunity to share, connect, and listen to one another.
During Black History Month, the ERG is focusing on the impact of expanding access to high-quality care for everyone. Why is that important to you—and how does it connect to your work?
One thing I’ve learned working here is that technology like da Vinci doesn’t just improve surgical outcomes—it has the potential to make care more accessible for everyone, regardless of their location in the world.
Minimally invasive care helps patients recover faster and reduces complications. But the bigger picture is access. How do we make sure more communities have access to high-quality care? That’s important to me. It’s about making sure more patients, in more places, can benefit from the best technology and outcomes.
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Explore opportunities where you can apply your skills, grow your career, and help advance life-changing technology—search open roles at Intuitive today: https://careers.intuitive.com/en/
