Lead Embedded Software Engineer – Robotic Medical Systems

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 322,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA, seeks a senior embedded software lead to design and integrate mission-critical software for robotic systems.

You will collaborate with hardware, UI, and safety teams, define development plans, and ensure compliance with medical device regulations while driving innovation across multi-processor platforms. The role emphasizes C/C++ for embedded real-time systems, experience with QNX and FPGA/Vivado, and robust debugging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in developing and supporting embedded systems (or 8+ years with a Master's, or 5+ with PhD).
• Fluent in C/C++ for embedded, real-time systems (e.g. QNX).
• Experience with TCP/IP, CAN, serialization; memory management and concurrency.
• Familiarity with Python scripting and FPGA tooling (Vivado).

Responsibilities

• Gather cross-functional requirements and develop plans balancing technical needs with schedules.
• Identify interfaces between hardware and software; architect modular, testable software.
• Lead risk analysis and develop hardware/software mitigations.
• Contribute to software for distributed multi-processor systems including video/control, diagnostics, and UI.
• Represent projects externally with customers and internally within the company.

Skills

C/C++ embedded

Embedded systems

Networking protocols

Python scripting

Vivado / FPGA

Cybersecurity concepts

CUDA programming

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in CS/EE or similar

Tools

Vivado FPGA tools

QNX RTOS

Job description

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA, seeks a senior embedded software lead to design and integrate mission-critical software for robotic systems.

You will collaborate with hardware, UI, and safety teams, define development plans, and ensure compliance with medical device regulations while driving innovation across multi-processor platforms. The role emphasizes C/C++ for embedded real-time systems, experience with QNX and FPGA/Vivado, and robust debugging.