Staff Systems Research Engineer

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 244,000 - 366,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Analyst for the Future Forward Research group in Sunnyvale.

You will design and implement controllers, algorithms, and interfaces for prototype and next‑gen robotic systems used in computer- and robot-assisted surgery. The role emphasizes integration of mechanical, hardware, and software components, real-time embedded systems, and advanced control methods to translate concepts into finished products.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering or similar field relating to robotics or electro-mechanical systems.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in servo control systems development for robotics or electro-mechanical systems, with hands-on implementation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate distributed electro-mechanical systems and dynamic models through targeted experimentation.
• Design and implement software algorithms, tools, and infrastructure for new products.
• Integrate mechanical, hardware, and software components for new product development.
• Apply control system design methods to prototype and validate novel medical robotic systems.
• Conduct comprehensive testing, safety analysis, and performance monitoring throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead early systems engineering development, requirement translation, and cross-functional discussions.
• Develop sensor and control schemes to enhance robotic system performance and address user needs.
• Apply best practices in software engineering and create thorough documentation.
• Identify, document, and communicate intellectual property generated during development.

Skills

Robot control

Teleoperation algorithms

Embedded real-time software

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Computer vision pipelines

Education

Electrical/Mechatronics/Control Systems Engineering degree

7+ years servo control experience

Tools

CAD tools

Real-time embedded software tools

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 are 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.

The Future Forward organization is Intuitive's advanced concepts group. We explore emerging technologies, prototype next-generation solutions, and build software experiences that shape the future of robotic-assisted surgery.

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

We seek a Senior Systems Analyst to join the Future Forward Research group at Intuitive Surgical. Our group explores new, promising technologies for future products and applications in the emerging computer- and robot-assisted medical interventions field.

A Senior Systems Analyst is responsible for the detailed design and implementation of controllers and algorithms to assess novel instrument concepts and visualization schemes running on Intuitive's latest surgical robots or new platforms. This responsibility includes integrating and evaluating fully functional prototypes then promoting translation of concepts into finished products.

This position provides analytic assistance to other engineering groups to help design systems, software architectures, and interfaces. It maintains awareness and interest in developing research and technologies related to secure telerobotic and safety-critical systems and actively applies this knowledge to system design.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and validate distributed electro-mechanical systems and dynamic models through targeted experimentation.
• Design and implement software algorithms, tools, and infrastructure for new products.
• Integrate mechanical, hardware, and software components for new product development.
• Apply control system design methods to prototype and validate novel medical robotic systems.
• Conduct comprehensive testing, safety analysis, and performance monitoring throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead early systems engineering development, requirement translation, and cross-functional discussions.
• Develop sensor and control schemes to enhance robotic system performance and address user needs.
• Apply best practices in software engineering and create thorough documentation.
• Identify, document, and communicate intellectual property generated during development.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of robot manipulator kinematics, classical and modern control systems, teleoperation, and related algorithms.
• A proven record of integrating and characterizing complete mechatronic systems.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical design principles and CAD tools is a plus.
• Experience designing and developing teleoperation algorithms and real-time embedded software systems.
• Proficiency in Matlab and C/C++; experience with high-level languages such as Python and JavaScript.
• Experience with computer vision processing pipelines and real-time implementation is a plus.
• Ability to excel in a dynamic, focused team environment with a collaborative and positive approach.
• Comprehensive understanding of teleoperation systems, software, and interfaces for building reliable, mission-critical solutions.
• Skilled in profiling, debugging, and optimizing system software with a disciplined and persistent approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to teamwork.
• Deep understanding of software engineering principles and methodologies.

Required Education and Training

• A graduate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering, or similar field relating to robotics or electro-mechanical systems.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in servo control systems development for robotics or electro-mechanical systems, with hands‑on implementation.

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.

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 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) .

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:

$244,000 USD - $366,000 USD

Base Compensation Range Region 2:

$207,400 USD - $311,100 USD

Shift:

Day

Workplace Type:

Onsite - This job is fully onsite.