Staff Systems Analyst – Robotic Algorithms and Control

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

Intuitive Surgical seeks a Staff Systems Analyst to join its Future Forward Research group, which explores emerging technologies for future products and applications in computer- and robot-assisted medical interventions. The role designs and implements controllers and algorithms for assessing novel instrument concepts and visualization schemes on current surgical robots and new platforms. It integrates and evaluates functional prototypes and supports translation of concepts into finished products. The position also provides analytical assistance to engineering groups on system design, software architectures, and interfaces, while keeping current with research and technologies related to secure telerobotic and safety-critical systems and applying this knowledge to system design. The position covers system software, algorithm development, tooling, and infrastructure for exploring and building new surgical platforms. It involves developing and validating distributed electromechanical systems and dynamic models, designing and implementing algorithms and software tools, integrating mechanical, hardware, and software components, and applying control-system design methods to prototype and validate medical robotic systems. The role also leads early systems engineering work, conducts testing and safety analysis, develops sensor and control schemes, documents work, and identifies and communicates intellectual property. The job description notes that Intuitive and/or its customers may require current proof of vaccination against certain diseases, including COVID-19. The position may be filled at a different level depending on business needs and the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills. Compensation is based primarily on job level and qualifications; no compensation range is included in the supplied description.

Requirements

Graduate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering, or a similar field related to robotics or electromechanical systems.
At least 7 years of experience developing servo control systems for robotics or electromechanical systems, with hands-on implementation.
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.
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.
Ability to work effectively 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.
Skill 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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of electrical and mechanical design principles and CAD tools.
Experience with computer vision processing pipelines and real-time implementation.

Responsibilities

Develop and validate distributed electromechanical 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 software engineering best practices and create thorough documentation.
Identify, document, and communicate intellectual property generated during development.
Provide analytical assistance to engineering groups in designing systems, software architectures, and interfaces.
Maintain awareness of research and technologies related to secure telerobotic and safety-critical systems and apply this knowledge to system design.