Staff Robotics Engineer

Company: Digital Surgery Systems Inc.

Job Posting Location: Goleta, California, United States

Functional Area: Information Technology

Working Model: Onsite

Days of Work: Wednesday, Tuesday, Friday, Thursday, Monday

Shift: 5X8

Relocation Available: No

Requisition ID: 12819

At True Digital Surgery (TDS), our mission is to continuously innovate and develop disruptive technologies in 3D digital microscopy, surgical navigation, artificial intelligence and robotics. Our products are designed to provide surgeons with a real-time digital toolset that fuses preoperative and intraoperative data in order to streamline surgical workflow and improve patient outcome. We are looking for talented engineers to help define and drive our robotics roadmap to maintain our technological advantage in the field of digital surgical microscopy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the system-level integration of a 7-DOF robotic arm into a surgical imaging platform.
• Define robot kinematics, coordinate frames, calibration strategies, and motion constraints.
• Own robot-camera-patient geometry and precision alignment requirements.
• Design interfaces between robot control, vision systems, and higher-level application software.
• Develop and review motion control strategies (position, velocity, admittance as appropriate).
• Integrate real-time control software with perception, UI, and safety layers.
• Work with ROS / ROS2 or equivalent robotics middleware where appropriate.
• Ensure deterministic behavior, fault handling, and graceful degradation.
• Design robotics systems with medical-grade safety in mind (risk analysis, interlocks, limits, redundancy).
• Partner with quality and regulatory teams to support IEC 60601, ISO 14971, and related standards.
• Contribute to hazard analyses, FMEAs, and verification/validation planning.
• Serve as the technical authority for robotics within TDS.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, clinical, and product teams.
• Mentor other engineers and raise the overall robotics maturity of the organization.
• Influence build-vs-buy decisions for robotics components and subsystems.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Control Systems, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering from four-year college or university; may have M.S., or Ph.D.

• 14+ years of experience in robotics engineering, with direct ownership of complex robotic systems in HRI applications.
• Hands-on experience integrating multi-DOF robotic arms (6+ DOF), ideally in constrained or human-adjacent environments.
• Strong foundation in:
  • Robot kinematics and dynamics
  • Coordinate transformations and calibration
  • Control systems
  • Real-time software
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for robotics applications.
• Experience bringing robotics systems from prototype to productized hardware.
• Experience in medical devices, surgical robotics, or safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 and real-time Linux.
• Experience integrating robotics with computer vision or imaging systems.
• Track record of technical leadership in small-to-mid-sized teams

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Complexity - Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Creates formal networks involving coordination among groups.

Knowledge - Having broad expertise or unique knowledge, uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and Principals and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways. Barriers to entry such as technical committee review exist at this level.

Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goal and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments to other team members

Supervision - Exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.

Leadership - Leads projects and/or small teams. Participates in and supports initiatives outside of main area of responsibility.

Language

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color, stereoscopic and close vision. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to computer systems and electrical devices. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

The targeted range for this role takes into account a range of factors that are considered when making compensation and hiring decisions; included but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The range provided is a reasonable estimate.

B. Braun offers an excellent benefits package, which includes healthcare, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement. To learn more about B. Braun and our safety healthcare products or view a listing of our employment opportunities, please visit us on the internet at www.bbraunusa.com.

Through its "Sharing Expertise®" initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services.