Robotics and Controls Manager

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, seeks a Robotics/Control Manager to lead Ion platform development. You will guide Systems Analysts across mechanical, software, electrical, and regulatory domains, ensuring design control compliance and strong cross-functional collaboration.

The role requires deep control theory knowledge, hands-on C/C++ and MATLAB skills, and the ability to set direction, mentor talent, and drive complex robotic projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/ME/Robotics; Master’s considered with related experience.
• Minimum 4+ years as IC and 2+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience leading Systems Analysts or similar teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Systems Analysts team; manage capacity and talent.
• Oversee cross-functional interfaces and program reviews; report status to leadership.
• Contribute technically; apply control theory to mechatronic design; support software/hardware tradeoffs.

Skills

Leadership

C/C++

MATLAB

People Management

Cross-functional teamwork

Control theory

System analysis

Education

PhD in CS/ME/Robotics

MS with relevant experience

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

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.

Primary Function of Position

The Ion™ endoluminal system is Intuitive's robotic platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the peripheral lung, with an initial goal of improving the early diagnosis of lung cancer. The Ion Product Engineering team is responsible for the continued development and improvement of the Ion™ platform across the full system. The Robotics and Control Manager (System Analyst)is responsible for leading a high-performing team responsible for the design, development, and evaluation of the robotic control algorithms that power the Ion™ platform. The role spans mechanical, software, electrical, and quality and regulatory domains and demands close cross-functional collaboration to deliver best-in-class robotic systems.

The ideal candidate brings the technical depth to tackle complex analysis problems firsthand, and the leadership to set direction, develop talent, and drive solutions across an interdisciplinary team.

Required Skills and Experience

• Leadership & People Management
  • Lead and develop the team of Systems Analysts; assess capacity and skill needs, provide coaching, hire, and ramp up talent as the team grows.
  • Drive continuous improvement by synthesizing field and manufacturing inputs, prioritizing long-term projects, and aligning with cross-functional teams and leadership.
  • Ensure the team adheres to design control processes (risk assessments, design reviews, V&V, etc.) per FDA and ISO standards.
• Cross-Functional & Program Management
  • Own cross-functional interfaces (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Clinical, Regulatory) and represent the team in program reviews; communicate status and decisions clearly across technical and leadership audiences.
  • Oversee software release documentation, including regulatory escalations, anomaly listings, and patch effectiveness tracking.
• Technical Contribution
  • Demonstrate sound engineering judgment and strong problem-solving skills across software and hardware domains.
  • Deep expertise in control theory fundamentals and its application to mechatronic system design, verification, and safety; guide the team through complex design tradeoffs.
  • Strong C/C++ and MATLAB programming skills; remain hands-on to support the team in troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Required Education and Training

• • PhD in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Robotics; Masters-level candidates will be considered based on relevant experience.
  • 4+ years of experience as an individual contributor and 2+ years in a leadership position

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.

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 licence 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’s start 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 on business 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 the candidate’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.