Senior Surgical Robotics Control Engineer

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

Job summary

Intuitive is seeking a robotics engineer to own control and safety algorithms for the daVinci Surgical System instruments. You will work on teleoperated motion, kinematic analysis, and integration of new accessories, collaborating with mechanical design and clinical teams to ensure safe, precise performance.

You will modify, test, and validate software features, conduct risk analyses, and contribute to FDA-ready documentation while coordinating with manufacturing for calibration and testing.

Qualifications

• PhD plus at least 3 years of experience in robotics-related field or Masters plus 6 years 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.

Responsibilities

• Teleoperated motion and force fidelity of new surgical instruments and integration of new accessories with the robot.
• Modify and tune algorithms that control the mechanism's behavior.
• Characterize and optimize mechanism performance with design teams.
• Implement new feature sets and maintain existing ones in software.
• Conduct risk analysis and implement safety algorithms; document risks and test protocols for FDA approval.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to develop automated fixtures for calibration and testing.
• Take ownership across disciplines to ensure project success.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Matlab programming

Python (plus)

robot kinematics

control systems

electro-mechanical

communication skills

independent work

Education

PhD in robotics or related field

Master's degree in robotics or related field

Tools

CAD tools

hardware integration

Job description

Intuitive is seeking a robotics engineer to own control and safety algorithms for the daVinci Surgical System instruments. You will work on teleoperated motion, kinematic analysis, and integration of new accessories, collaborating with mechanical design and clinical teams to ensure safe, precise performance.

You will modify, test, and validate software features, conduct risk analyses, and contribute to FDA-ready documentation while coordinating with manufacturing for calibration and testing.