Lead Systems Architect — Surgical Robotics & Prototyping

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical is seeking a Principal Systems Research Engineer in Sunnyvale to own systems architecture, requirements flow-down, and risk retirement for multiple early-stage robotic concepts. The role requires turning innovative ideas into validated prototypes and leading cross-disciplinary teams across hardware, software, and clinical stakeholders.

The candidate will drive MBSE/UML-based architecture, manage interfaces, and contribute to top-management reviews.

Qualifications

• Deep theoretical and practical mastery of robot kinematics and control, with real-world applications.
• Experience architecting end-to-end mechatronic systems and cross-domain interfaces.
• Proven leadership in senior technical roles and mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering for concept-to-prototype portfolios.
• Architect, integrate, and verify mechatronic systems end-to-end.
• Mentor engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and clinical stakeholders.
• Present technical feasibility and risk assessments to senior leadership.

Skills

Robot kinematics

Control theory

Teleoperation architectures

MBSE/UML

Embedded software

Systems architecture

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics

15+ years of robotics systems experience

Tools

CAD tools

MBSE/UML tools

Job description

Intuitive Surgical is seeking a Principal Systems Research Engineer in Sunnyvale to own systems architecture, requirements flow-down, and risk retirement for multiple early-stage robotic concepts. The role requires turning innovative ideas into validated prototypes and leading cross-disciplinary teams across hardware, software, and clinical stakeholders.

The candidate will drive MBSE/UML-based architecture, manage interfaces, and contribute to top-management reviews.