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 detailed design and implementation of robotic control algorithms and safety systems for new surgical robots and instruments. This includes integrating and evaluating fully functional prototypes and conducting formal product testing.

Systems Analysts also provide analytical support to other engineering groups in designing mechanisms, software architecture, and selecting key components, utilizing both physical and algorithmic insights to ensure safe, reliable, and precise motion control performance and high-level behaviors in response to user inputs.

Quick learning and a keen understanding of both user and engineering perspectives are essential,

As part of the Future Forward engineering team, you will design, implement, and integrate complex functionalities into complete surgical robot solutions, overseeing them through human use and product release. You will be part of a high-energy, focused team, with a strong sense of shared responsibility and reward.

Essential Job Duties

• Contribute to the design of new robot manipulators and new robotic instruments through analysis and characterization of prototypes.
• Refine and evolve system performance as it matures to a full product stage.
• Facilitate mechanical, hardware, and software integration of new prototypes and new products including complete systems, manipulators, and vision. 
• Provide critical analysis of robot servo control and design fault-detection algorithms.
• Provide analytical assistance for other engineering issues.
• Document and communicate intellectual property.
• Improve group workflow through tool building and robust cross-functional interactions.

Required Education and Training

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or similar technical field, with 3 years of experience in control systems, servo control, or robotics.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. degree in one of the technical fields above, with no experience.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience implementing, tuning, and debugging modern servo control systems.
• Expert knowledge of robot modeling and system identification techniques.
• Experience in designing and developing real-time control algorithms in C or C++, with the ability to assess numerical accuracy and computational complexity.
• Working 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 software version control systems such as Git.
• 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.