Sr. System Algorithm Engineer

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Primary Function of Position

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. produces the da Vinci Surgical System, a minimally invasive robotic surgery system that uses highly complex mechanics, replaceable instruments and accessories, and enhanced three-dimensional visualization to extend surgical technique and precision beyond the limits of the human hand.

The Senior System Algorithm Engineer will strive to create the safest and highest quality devices for minimally invasive surgery though rigorous and robust technical analysis.  They must excel in a high-energy team environment and be a quick learner. The successful candidate must have strong technical depth in system dynamics, algorithms, and controls required to support the development of surgical devices for the da Vinci Surgical System.

Essential Job Duties

• Represent Design Engineering on cross-functional project teams that design, develop, and test next generation robotic surgical products.
• Design and implement new electrosurgical energy algorithms and controls based on tissue characteristics and energy modes, with a first principles understanding of complex system dynamics.
• Work closely with the Electrical, Software, and Mechanical instrument engineering teams to design features and algorithms to implement requirements, iterate through prototypes, analyze performance, and ensure design outputs are successfully integrated into effective system designs.
• Modify and tune the algorithms to optimize analog and digital signals to ensure consistent performance in the clinical environment.
• Develop simulation and characterization methodologies to model system dynamics, behavior, and performance.
• Support robotic instrument and capital equipment development across multiple platforms.
• Perform risk analysis and implement safety algorithms.  This includes documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
• Work closely with Clinical Development engineers to understand intended use and refine algorithm design.
• Provide engineering support for resolution of field and manufacturing issues.

Skills and Experience

• MS or PhD preferred (EE or CS preferred). Minimum 5 years of electrosurgical system dynamics, algorithm design, and development in Matlab, C, C++, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of classical and modern control systems.
• Experience implementing & testing embedded software at unit, integration, or system level is required.
• Debug system and perform reviews of application code that reflects the algorithm behavior.
• Contribute to design documentation for test protocols, results and reports and complete tracing for all software requirements.
• Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project.  Using this perspective, act as an interface between various technical specialties.  Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries to ensure the success of the project.
• Experience working with test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies) is required.
• Experience working in Linux operating system environment is required.
• Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and working knowledge of peripherals commonly used on embedded systems such as ADCs, DACs, PWM, and waveform generation and serial communications (I2C, SPI, RS232) is desired.
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools and defect tracking tools.
• Interested in working at a fast paced, high transaction environment providing solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Hands-on engineering experience with a proven ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral) across all levels and organizations.
• Desire to learn and get to the bottom of complex and challenging engineering problems.

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

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.

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 salary ranges are listed.