Sr. Robotic Software 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 of Position:

The Ion™ endoluminal system is Intuitive's flexible robotic platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the peripheral lung. Our Advanced Product Development (APD) team is a small multi-disciplinary group that investigates new market opportunities for the Ion business unit through fast-paced, exploratory work into new technologies and clinical applications. We are seeking a versatile Sr. Software Engineer who can span a range of software and algorithms functions and thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving applied research environment. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing new business within Intuitive and contribute meaningfully to its future growth.

Essential job duties:

• Collaborate effectively with a small, fast-moving cross-functional group of colleagues from product, clinical, and engineering backgrounds to rapidly evaluate the desirability, feasibility, and viability of new ideas.
• Prototype new software features and algorithms with enough fidelity and scalability to quickly iterate, test, and evaluate new functionality.
• Contribute broadly across multiple software layers, including embedded, algorithm, and GUI development.
• Develop proof-of-concept tools, workflows, and application features that support device, system, and user-facing experiences.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex, multidisciplinary systems involving software, hardware, and electro-mechanical interactions.
• Take strong technical ownership of projects, driving work forward with a high degree of independence in an ambiguous, research-oriented environment.

Required skills and experience:

• Strong programming skills with working knowledge of C/C++, object-oriented programming, and python and/or Matlab.
• Experience writing software for physical, electro-mechanical or robotic systems, deployed on embedded linux or QNX.
• Demonstrated ability to systematically troubleshoot and debug complex systems
• High levels of independence and technical ownership
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with software development tools such as git and jira
• Demonstrated success working as a software generalist across multiple layers of a system, from embedded real-time applications to GUI design, rather than as a narrow specialist
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, exploratory development environment with evolving requirements

Required training and education:

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering or related field
• Minimum 5 years experience developing SW in relevant areas

Preferred skills and experience:

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering

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.