Senior Robotic Algorithms and Control Engineer (Senior Systems Analyst)

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite workplace

Competitive base pay

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. seeks a Senior Robotic Algorithms and Control Engineer to develop control and safety algorithms for the daVinci system.

The role requires deep knowledge of robot kinematics, servo control, and electro-mechanical systems, and involves cross-functional collaboration with clinical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams. The candidate will analyze mechanism behavior, tune software, and support regulatory documentation for approvals.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in robotics-related field with required years of experience.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Matlab; Python a plus.
• Solid understanding of electro-mechanical phenomena and rigorous analysis.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clinical development to define instrument performance requirements.
• Analyze mechanism behavior and limitations through experiments and modeling.
• Characterize and optimize mechanism performance with mechanical design team.
• Modify and tune control algorithms for safe, reliable operation of the instrument.
• Implement new features and maintain existing ones in software.
• Lead risk analysis, document risks, requirements, and test protocols for FDA approvals.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to develop automated fixtures and define test specs.

Skills

C/C++

Matlab

Python

Servo control

Robot kinematics

CAD tools

Communication skills

Education

PhD in robotics

Masters in robotics

Job description

Senior Robotic Algorithms and Control Engineer (Senior Systems Analyst) (Finance)

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

This position is responsible for control and safety algorithms required to support new instruments and accessories of the daVinci Surgical System. Skills required will include robot kinematics, control systems, and a solid understanding of electro-mechanical systems.

Responsabilites

• Working closely with the clinical development team to understand requirements for instruments and accessories performance
• Using analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the mechanism
• Working closely with the mechanical design team to characterize and optimize the mechanism for performance and safety
• Modifying and tuning the algorithms that will control the behavior of the mechanism
• Implementing new feature sets as well as maintaining the existing ones in software
• You will be responsible for risk analysis, and implementation of safety algorithms. You will be responsible for documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols in order to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
• You will be responsible for working with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument. You will be responsible for setting manufacturing test specifications that will ensure mechanical performance.
• You are expected to have 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 the various technical specialties. You are expected to take ownership of issues that crosses the boundaries of several disciplines and use your broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.

Skill/Job Requirements

• PhD plus at least 3 years of experience, in robotics-related field or Masters degree plus 6 years of experience, in robotics-related field.
• Demonstrate intuitive understanding of electro-mechanical phenomena with ability to do rigorous and detailed analysis.
• C/C++ and Matlab programming skills, as well as hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills. Knowledge of Python would be a plus.
• Knowledge of classical and modern servo control systems.
• Knowledge of robot kinematics.
• Knowledge of statistical methods is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical design principles and CAD tools is a plus.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Have the ability to work independently, and the determination to get through challenging problems.

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 Employer

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.

Job Level

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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Compensation Range Region 1: $184,500 USD - $265,500 USD
• Base Compensation Range Region 2: $156,800 USD - $225,700 USD
• Shift: Day
• Travel: None
• Workplace Type: Set Schedule - This job will be onsite weekly, the percentage of onsite work will be defined by the leader.