Senior Research Software Engineer Embedded

Intuitive • Sunnyvale, CA

83d

About The Position

We seek a Senior Research Software Engineer to join the Future Forward Research group at Intuitive Surgical and help explore new, promising technologies for future products and services in the emerging computer- and robot-assisted medical interventions field. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will work on the design and development of novel embedded system software and digital applications. The successful candidate must excel in an agile, focused, small-team environment and commit to high-quality research studies, functional prototypes, and system integration. This role requires a broad software engineering background, versatility across multiple domains, and a strong interest in building innovative, exploratory solutions. Success in this role requires strong technical skills, the ability to break down complex problems, and a structured approach to proposing and iteratively refining solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a similar technical field. Advanced degrees are preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years (or 5 years with a Ph.D.) of working experience in developing embedded systems software, including at least 2+ years in an R&D, innovation, or exploratory environment.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, Matlab).
• Experience with multi-threaded and multi-processor/multi-core systems.
• Proven track record in building real-time applications and/or embedded software.
• Experience with industrial embedded OS (e.g., Yocto, QNX), interfaces, and the latest tech stack for embedded software development.
• Expertise in building AI/ML-based embedded solutions using the latest tech stack, frameworks, and tools to achieve desired performance through hardware acceleration and other techniques.
• Hands-on experience with integrating the latest AI/ML models to develop embodied AI applications.
• Proficiency in profiling and debugging system software to optimize performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to structure and iterate on solutions in ambiguous contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience in applying software innovation within healthcare, robotics, or other complex technology sectors.
• Track record of contributions to research publications, patents, or open-source projects.
• Demonstrated ability to swiftly adapt to new technologies and domains, using curiosity and creativity to solve problems.
• Proven capability to apply systems thinking in the design and evaluation of complex solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, debug, and deploy embedded applications using multiple programming languages on various platforms, including real-time operating systems.
• Develop and prototype embedded software that interfaces with hardware and cloud systems, ensuring technical feasibility and defining product roadmaps.
• Adapt to project needs by initially exploring a broad range of software technology stacks and delve deeper into specific areas as the project evolves.
• Contribute to and lead software architecture discussions, code reviews, and cross-functional requirement analysis, with a focus on both technical and clinical needs.
• Develop prototypes from early requirements to rapidly iterate and create a functional product for research studies, employing systems thinking to integrate technology, users, and workflows.
• Apply strong software engineering practices, including writing maintainable code, modular architecture, testing, and documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop functional prototypes and contribute to a culture of innovation and rapid iteration.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies to enhance workflows and propose solutions for complex technical challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Equity
• Annual bonus
• Comprehensive benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Master's degree