Senior Robotic Algorithm and Controls Engineer

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.

Primary Function

The Advanced Product Development (APD) team is leveraging the cutting-edge technology of today to design and develop the surgical robotic systems of the future. Robotics Algorithms and Controls engineers (Systems Analysts) perform a central role in the design, development, and support of new products in the daVinci product line. They are responsible for developing the surgical teleoperation, motion control, and safety algorithms. This responsibility crosses into electrical, mechanical, software, control, user interface, and safety engineering. Systems Analysts strive to provide early design input, prove out new designs, and seek out solutions to challenging problems.

As a Systems Analyst, you will work with a small, multidisciplinary team of talented and dedicated engineers. This role demands in-depth collaboration with cross-functional teams, utilizing technical and interpersonal skills to develop a shared understanding of new product requirements. Systems Analysts maintain awareness and interest in developing research and technologies related to medical devices and safety-critical systems and actively apply this knowledge to system design.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of new robotic systems through analysis and characterization.

• Analyze complex electro-mechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.

• Apply control theory to the design and verification of mechatronic and tele-robotic systems.

• Integrate prototype hardware with existing systems.

• Develop and implement motion control and safety algorithms, including documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols.

• Develop cartesian controls for manipulator robotics to design and implement precise and efficient robotic movements.

• Participate in clinical observations and experiments to ensure that performance requirements are relevant and realistic.

• Communicate system performance to the organization.

• Support and track system performance as it evolves from design engineering to manufacturing.

• Provide analytical assistance and tool building for other engineering issues.

• Act as an interface between various technical specialties. Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use a broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.

• Document and communicate intellectual property.

Skill/Job Requirements:

• Minimum MS degree in CS, ME, EE, or similar with 4–5+ years of industrial experience or PhD with 1–3+ years of experience.

• Experience designing and implementing servo control systems.

• Possess strong embedded development skills including intimate knowledge of C and modern C++.

• Possess MATLAB and Python programming capabilities, as well as hardware and software integration skills.

• Be detail-oriented and able to develop and drive a single solution to completion.

• Comfort with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, and risk analysis.

• Hands-on engineering experience with proven ability to work well in a team environment.

• Self-motivated and proactive in engaging with interdisciplinary teams to address and solve complex problems.

• A desire to deliver a quality and innovative product that will improve millions of people’s lives!

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

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.

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.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [email protected].

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.