Manager, Embedded Software Engineering - Future Forward

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical seeks an energetic Embedded Software Engineering Manager to lead a high-caliber team developing low-level software for medical devices. You will guide real-time OS and embedded Linux work, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive rapid, high-quality delivery in a fast-paced environment.

You will mentor engineers, shape architecture, and coordinate with hardware, clinical, and human factors teams while delivering robust, safety-critical software under FDA and IEC standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of embedded software engineering experience (C/C++).
• Experience with RTOS and embedded Linux environments.
• 3–5 years of directly managing high-performing technical teams.
• Deep knowledge of IEC 62304 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820 design controls.
• Proven track record in safety-critical embedded systems, including FMEA.
• Delivery of complex software from design to V&V and manufacturing transfer.
• Fluency with Git, CI/CD, automated testing, and agile release management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a firmware/software team with autonomy and rigor.
• Own architecture across board bring-up, real-time control, and safety-critical software.
• Bridge strategy with agile delivery, coordinating hardware, clinical, and human factors.
• Advance modern engineering practices: CI/CD, code reviews, automated testing.
• Lead risk-based design and software FMEA for patient safety.
• Manage end-to-end software release lifecycle from unit tests to V&V and transfer.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS

Embedded Linux

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

FMEA / risk management

V&V

CI/CD

Git

Agile / delivery

Education

BS in Computer Science or Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Static analysis tools

Job description

Primary Function of Position

We are seeking an energetic, authentic Embedded Software Engineering Manager to lead and empower a high-caliber team of brilliant, highly motivated engineers launching a groundbreaking medical device. In this high-impact, hands-on role, you will champion the technical excellence and development of low-level software across RTOS and embedded Linux platforms. You excel at translating complex technical vision intoexecution while cutting through technical complexity to keep your team aligned, energized, and moving fast. If you thrive in a dynamic, highly regulated environment (FDA 21 CFR Part 820, IEC 62304) where early-stage product challenges evolve rapidly and team energy runs high, this is your opportunity to shape the future of medical technology.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead, Inspire, & Multiply:Serve as a passionate leader for a high-performing team of firmware and software engineers. Cultivate a culture of innovation, high autonomy, technical rigor, and rapid execution through direct mentorship and hands-on guidance.
• Drive High-Speed Technical Execution:Direct and participate in the technical architecture across board bring-up, real-time control algorithms, platform development, cybersecurity, OS management, and safety-critical software.
• Bridge Strategy & Agile Delivery:Craft, own, and track dynamic, bottom-up engineering roadmaps that meet aggressive product milestones, seamlessly managing interdependencies with hardware, clinical, and human factors teams.
• Champion Modern Engineering Practices:Continuously elevate the team’s development engine—driving modern Agile workflows, CI/CD automation, clearcode reviews, and proactive bug management built for speed and regulatory compliance. unit testing, test driven development (TDD)
• Embed Safety & Risk Management:Lead risk-based design efforts (hazard analysis, software FMEA) to architect robust, failsafe software systems that uncompromisingly prioritize patient safety.
• Accelerate Delivery to Market:Own the software release lifecycle end-to-end—from unit testing and full verification/validation (V&V) to seamless transfer to manufacturing.
• Amplify Team Impact:Serve as the team’s chief advocate and key technical liaison, clearly articulating technical wins, tradeoffs, and roadmaps to executive leadership, cross-functional partners, and regulatory bodies.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Education:BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Experience:10+ years of hands-on embedded software engineering experience (C/C++), with deep expertise in RTOS and embedded Linux environments.
• Leadership:3–5 years of experience directly managing, growing, and energizing high-performing technical teams.
• Medical Regulatory Expertise:Deep knowledge of IEC 62304 software lifecycle processes and FDA 21 CFR Part 820 design controls.
• Safety-Critical Systems:Proven track record architecting complex, safety-critical embedded systems, including risk management and failure mode analysis (FMEA).
• Delivery Track Record:Proven ability to drive complex software deliverables from napkin sketch through V&V and commercial transfer under ambitious timelines.
• Modern Tooling:Strong fluency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and agile release management practices. static analysis tools

Preferred Attributes & Mindset

• Culture Builder:A high-energy leader with a track record of attracting, retaining, and unlocking the full potential of elite engineers in a high-trust, high-accountability environment.
• Relentless Problem-Solver:A resourceful self-starter who embraces technical ambiguity, stays composed under pressure, and tackles complex challenges with urgency and optimism.
• Crisp Communicator:Exceptional ability to distill complex architectural decisions into clear, compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders.
• Biased for Action:High initiative, relentless follow-through, and a genuine passion for pushing the boundaries of what medical devices can achieve.

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 employeeswho 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’sstart 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 onbusiness 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 thecandidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

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.

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.