Staff Systems Analyst - Robotic Control Algorithms

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.

Were 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.

Primary Function of Position:

A Systems Analyst is responsible for the implementation of algorithms that guarantee the safe and effective use of robotic assisted surgery products. This responsibility spans the initial development of these algorithms using functional prototypes through formal product testing. Systems Analysts also provide analytic assistance to other engineering groups in the design of mechanisms, software architecture, and key component selection.

As a member of the Future Forward engineering team, you will be involved in designing, implementing, and integrating complex functionality into complete surgical robot solutions and seeing these through human use and product release. The successful candidate must excel in a focused, high-energy team environment and be able to drive to solutions from rough requirements.

Quick learning and a desire to understand requirements from a user’s perspective are essential to the role of a Systems Analyst. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required, as is the ability to make work fun and interesting. Supporting you will be a team that cares about what you are doing and wants you to succeed in delivering a high-quality product that places patients first.

Essential Job Duties

• Design and implement real-time motion control and fault-detection algorithms for a tele-operated robotic surgical system, integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components with a deep understanding of user needs and clinical considerations.
• Lead cross-functional conversations to define system performance requirements, design definition, and safety analysis by providing a system-wide perspective.
• Lead performance assessment, bring-up and characterization of initial prototypes; provide timely feedback to hardware designers, identify and develop algorithmic refinements to incorporate into final products.
• Analyze complex electro-mechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.
• Implement safety monitor algorithms based on first-principles thinking and physics-based modeling and analysis.
• Enhance system performance from initial design through manufacturing at scale and support the resolution of engineering challenges.
• Document and pursue intellectual property.
• Improve group workflow through tool building, and robust cross-functional interactions and mentoring other team members.

Required Education and Training

• University degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or similar technical field, with 12 years of experience in control systems, servo control, or robotics.
• Alternatively, a Master’s degree with 8 years of experience in one of the above technical fields, or a Ph.D. degree with 5 years of experience.

Required Skills and Experience

• Fluency implementing, tuning, and debugging modern servo control systems.
• Expert knowledge of robot modeling and system identification techniques.
• Excellent capabilities in real-time control algorithms in C or C++, with the ability to assess numerical accuracy, computational complexity and robustness in a multi-threaded and multi-processor environment.
• Excellent knowledge of Python or MATLAB/Simulink for control system simulation, analysis, and testing.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Excitement to learn, solve tough technical problems, and to help improve patients' lives.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Expert in one or more advanced robotic control concepts such as impedance control or the control of flexible manipulators.
• Experience designing software products in a regulated industry or for safety-critical applications; comfort with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, risk analysis, and mitigations.
• Fluent working with version control systems such as Git or SVN and build systems such as GNU Make and CMake.
• Working knowledge of embedded Linux or QNX at multiple levels including application, board bring-up, device drivers and distribution configuration.
• Experience in all phases of the product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.

Working Conditions

• None

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.

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.

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.