PhD or MS in a robotics-related field; PhD preferred.
5+ years of experience in a robotics-related field.
Strong understanding of mechanical phenomena and rigorous mechanical analysis.
Proficient in C/C++ and MATLAB programming.
Knowledge of classical and modern servo control systems.
Familiarity with serial-arm robot kinematics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities
Develop and own tele-operated motion performance for robotic surgical instruments.
Collaborate with clinical and mechanical design teams to optimize motion fidelity.
Conduct analysis and experimentation to understand instrument behavior and limitations.
Modify and tune algorithms for consistent clinical performance.
Implement features and algorithms for new instrument development, collaborating on prototypes.
Perform risk analysis and document protocols for regulatory approval, including FDA.
Analyze field data to enhance surgical instrument performance and stability.
Benefits
Market-competitive compensation packages including base pay and incentives.
Equity options available.
Comprehensive health benefits.
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Full Job Description
Job Description
Primary Function of Position
Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineers) at Intuitive Surgical strive to create the safest and highest quality robotic system for minimally invasive surgery though rigorous and robust technical analysis. This position is responsible for robotic algorithms and controls required to support the development and production of new instruments for the da Vinci Surgical System. Required skills include knowledge of control systems, robot kinematics, and a solid understanding of mechanical systems.
Essential Job Duties
Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments.
Ensuring motion fidelity will involve:
Working closely with the clinical development team to understand performance requirements;
Working closely with the mechanical design team to optimize the mechanism for motion fidelity;
Using analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanism;
Modifying and tuning the algorithms to optimize motion fidelity and ensure consistent performance in the clinical environment.
Implement features and algorithms to support new instrument development, including collaboration with the design team to iterate through prototypes, analyze performance, and assess feasibility.
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.
Analyze field data to continuously improve the performance and stability of the surgical instrument.
Collaborate with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument. Additionally, determine manufacturing test specifications that will ensure instrument performance.
Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project. Using this perspective, you will act as an interface between various technical specialties. Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use your broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
Demonstrate intuitive understanding of mechanical phenomena with ability to do rigorous mechanical analysis.
Knowledge of classical and modern servo control systems
Knowledge of serial-arm robot kinematics
C/C++, MATLAB programming skills
Hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills
Intuitive understanding of mechanical phenomena with ability to do rigorous analysis.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to work independently and the determination to solve challenging problems
Demonstrate ability to provide technical leadership and help define project tasks and objectives.
Required Education and Training
Minimum PhD (preferred) or MS in robotics-related field
5 years minimum of experience in a robotics-related field preferred
Preferred Skills and Experience
Knowledge of Python and basic SQL
Knowledge of statistics and probabilistic reasoning is plus
Knowledge of electrical, software, and mechanical design principles and CAD tools
Experience conducting research with human subjects
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.
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.
About Intuitive Surgical, Inc
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is an American corporation that develops, manufactures, and markets robotic products designed to improve clinical outcomes of patients through minimally invasive surgery, most notably with the da Vinci Surgical System. The company is part of the NASDAQ-100 and S&P 500. Intuitive Surgical has installed more than 5,000 surgical systems worldwide, and has more than 4,000 employees.