Embedded Software Engineer, Vision Systems

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for its Future Forward organization in Sunnyvale, CA, to help advance a robotic surgical platform from concept to launch. You will design and integrate embedded software across hardware interfaces, real-time data pipelines, and safety-critical subsystems, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, and product managers.

The role emphasizes agile development in a fast-paced team, with focus on reliability, security, and quality.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in developing and supporting embedded systems; or 3years with a Master's degree; or 1yearwith a PhD.
• Highly proficient in developing C/C++ embedded and real-time software for multi-core, multi-processor systems, especially on embedded Linux and QNX.
• Demonstrated experience with board bring-up, device driver development, and integration of new hardware components.
• Skilled in version control systems and collaborative development environments, supporting efficient, iterative improvement.
• Familiarity with a wide range of communication protocols—including TCP/IP, CAN, I2C, SPI—and serialization standards such as protobuf.
• Strong problem-solving skills and debugging capabilities for complex embedded software and electromechanical systems.
• In-depth understanding of failure mode and risk analysis, with a track record in safety-critical, product-focused designs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrates passion for innovation, continuous learning, and developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust embedded software to enable system infrastructure, including OS drivers, hardware interfaces, real-time data pipelines, inter-processor communication, error handling, and user/test applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle with key stakeholders to address clinical needs and safety requirements.
• Translate early requirements into prototype implementations to evaluate, iterate, and advance novel robotic systems.
• Conduct rigorous unit testing to support system integration and ensure reliable, robust system operation.
• Contribute to hazard and failure mode analysis, defining appropriate mitigations.
• Refine and iterate designs, balancing technical requirements, feasibility, schedules, and resource constraints.
• Produce clear and compliant supporting documentation in alignment with Intuitive's development and quality guidelines.
• Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality and safety standards per the Intuitive Quality Management System.

Skills

C/C++

embedded Linux

QNX

Board bring-up

Device driver

TCP/IP

CAN

I2C

SPI

protobuf

Multicore

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Job description

Intuitive is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for its Future Forward organization in Sunnyvale, CA, to help advance a robotic surgical platform from concept to launch. You will design and integrate embedded software across hardware interfaces, real-time data pipelines, and safety-critical subsystems, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, and product managers.

The role emphasizes agile development in a fast-paced team, with focus on reliability, security, and quality.