Systems Analyst (Robotic Algorithms and Control)

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•$153,300 - $220,700•Onsite

About The Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Control) at Intuitive Surgical play a central role in designing, developing, and supporting new products in the da Vinci Surgery product line. They are primarily responsible for tele-robotic motion control algorithms, robotic manipulator control, interaction behaviors, and safety algorithms for new surgical robots and instruments. The role spans electrical, mechanical, software, control, user interface, and safety engineering as subsystems are integrated. Analysts provide early design input, rapidly prove out designs, and address challenging system-integration and motion-control problems. Responsibilities continue through product shipment, with a focus on quality and reliability. The position is part of Multi-Port System Design Engineering, which developed the da Vinci 5 system and is building future products. The work includes control-system analysis and prototype characterization, motion algorithm design and implementation, application of control theory to mechatronic and tele-robotic systems, dynamic safety and clinical risk analysis, and development of physics-based safety monitoring algorithms. The analyst also participates in clinical observations and experiments, documents and pursues intellectual property, communicates system performance, improves team workflows through tools and teaching, and tracks system performance from design through manufacturing. This is a day-shift role with no travel requirements. The position is scheduled to be onsite weekly, with the percentage of onsite work determined by the leader. Compensation ranges vary by region: Region 1 is $153,300–$220,700, and Region 2 is $130,300–$187,600.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of classical and modern control theory, with hands-on experience implementing control systems in safety-critical products.
Demonstrated experience with robotic manipulation algorithms, including learning-based or machine-learning approaches.
Strong embedded C/C++ and system-integration experience across hardware, firmware/software, and mechanisms.
Strong engineering intuition for mechatronic systems, attention to detail, and ability to drive solutions to completion.
Ability to work effectively in a high-energy team environment, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while balancing collaboration in project planning, execution, and communication.
Passion for product quality and continuous improvement.
Three years of experience and a Master's degree, or a PhD with one year of experience, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design of new surgical platforms and instruments through control-system analysis and characterization of prototypes.
Design and implement motion algorithms and behaviors.
Apply control theory to the design and verification of mechatronic and tele-robotic systems.
Analyze complex electromechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.
Create safety-monitoring algorithms based on sound physics.
Participate in clinical observations and experiments to ensure performance requirements are relevant, measurable, and realistic.
Document and pursue intellectual property.
Communicate system performance to the organization.
Improve group workflows through tool building and teaching others.
Support and track system performance from design through manufacturing.