Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineer

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical seeks a Systems Analyst to advance the robotic algorithms and controls used in da Vinci instruments. You will work to optimize tele-operated motion performance, collaborate across clinical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams, and ensure safety and reliability in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities include analyzing instrument behavior, tuning control algorithms, and contributing to prototype evaluation and regulatory documentation as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of control systems required.
• Solid understanding of robot kinematics.
• Strong grasp of mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments.
• Ensure motion fidelity by collaborating with clinical development and mechanical design teams.
• Analyze and experiment to understand behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanism.
• Modify and tune algorithms to optimize motion fidelity for clinical environments.
• Implement features and algorithms to support new instrument development with the design team.
• Perform risk analysis and document risks, requirements, and test protocols for FDA approvals.
• Analyze field data to improve instrument performance and stability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to develop automated fixtures for calibration and testing.
• Lead by providing a broad technical perspective and own cross-disciplinary issues.

Skills

Control systems

Robot kinematics

Mechanical systems

Job description

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineers) at Intuitive Surgical strive to create the safest and highest quality robotic system for minimally invasive surgery though rigorous and robust technical analysis. This position is responsible for robotic algorithms and controls required to support the development and production of new instruments for the da Vinci Surgical System. Required skills include knowledge of control systems, robot kinematics, and a solid understanding of mechanical systems.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments.
• Ensuring motion fidelity will involve:
• Working closely with the clinical development team to understand performance requirements;
• Working closely with the mechanical design team to optimize the mechanism for motion fidelity;
• Using analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanism;
• Modifying and tuning the algorithms to optimize motion fidelity and ensure consistent performance in the clinical environment.
• Implement features and algorithms to support new instrument development, including collaboration with the design team to iterate through prototypes, analyze performance, and assess feasibility.
• Perform risk analysis and implement safety algorithms. This includes documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
• Analyze field data to continuously improve the performance and stability of the surgical instrument.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument. Additionally, determine manufacturing test specifications that will ensure instrument performance.
• Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project. Using this perspective, you will act as an interface between various technical specialties. Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use your broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.