Senior Robotic Algorithm and Controls Engineer

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is seeking Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Control) in Sunnyvale, CA. The role centers on tele-robotic motion control, manipulator and safety algorithms for next‑gen robotic systems and instruments.

You will work across electrical, mechanical, software, and safety engineering to ensure high quality, reliable products. The position emphasizes early design input, rapid prototyping, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration to push a single robust solution to

Qualifications

• Theoretical training in and experience implementing classical and modern servo control systems.
• Strong embedded C and C++ programming capabilities with hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills.
• Be guided by engineering intuition for mechatronic systems and be detail oriented to push a single solution to completion.
• Excel in a high-energy team and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating on project planning and communication.
• Demonstrate passion for product quality and continuous improvements.
• Minimum 6 years experience and a Master’s degree, or a PhD with 3 years experience, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design of new surgical platforms and instruments through control system analysis.
• Implement motion control algorithms.
• Apply control theory to design and verification of mechatronic and tele-robotic systems.
• Analyze complex electro-mechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.
• Create safety monitoring algorithms based on physics.
• Communicate system performance to the organization.
• Document and pursue intellectual property.
• Support and track system performance from design to manufacturing.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Control systems

Mechatronics integration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree; or PhD

Job description

Company 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.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Control) at Intuitive Surgical perform a central role in the design, development, and support of new products in the daVinci Surgery product line. Systems Analysts are primarily responsible for the tele-robotic motion control algorithms, robotic manipulator control and safety algorithms for new surgical robots and surgical instruments. This responsibility crosses into electrical, mechanical, software, control, user interface, and safety engineering where all the subsystems are integrated together. Systems Analysts strive to provide early design input, quickly prove out new designs, and seek out solutions to subtle and challenging problems in system integration and motion control. Responsibilities continue until the products are shipping to customers with the highest quality and reliability.

Essential Job Duties

• Contribute to design of new surgical platforms and instruments through control system analysis and characterization of prototypes.
• Implement motion control algorithms.
• Apply control theory to the design and verification of mechatronic and tele-robotic systems.
• Analyze complex electro-mechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.
• Create safety monitoring algorithms based on sound physics.
• Participate in clinical observations and experiments to ensure that performance requirements are relevant and realistic.
• Document and pursue intellectual property.
• Communicate system performance to the organization as a whole.
• Improve group work-flow through tool building and teaching others.
• Support and track system performance as it moves from design to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Theoretical training in and experience implementing classical and modern servo control systems.
• Possess strong embedded C and C++ programming capabilities as well as hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills.
• Be guided by strong engineering intuition for mechatronic systems and at the same time be detail oriented and able to develop and push a single solution to completion.
• Excel in a high-energy team and demonstrate excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Work independently while simultaneously balancing collaboration on project planning and communication.
• Show passion for product quality and continuous improvements.
• Required Education and Training
• At minimum 6 years experience and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.

Additional Information

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.

Equal Opportunity

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 employees who 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'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.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at (email protected) .

Compensation

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.

Base Compensation Range Region 1: $184,500 USD - $265,500 USD

Base Compensation Range Region 2: $156,800 USD - $225,700 USD

Shift: Day

Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.