Intuitive Surgical, Inc

Systems Analyst (Robotic Algorithms and Controls)

Intuitive Surgical, Inc$120K — $145K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of experience in control systems, servo control, or robotics; or a Ph.D. with 3 years of experience.
  • Expert knowledge of robotics, motion-control, kinematic/dynamic modeling, and system identification.
  • Expertise in position, force, and impedance control of robotic manipulators.
  • Experience with real-time servo-control systems including implementation, tuning, and diagnosis.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ for real-time control algorithm development.
  • Proficient in Python or MATLAB for analysis and testing.
  • Strong analytical skills for embedded software and electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement motion-control and tele-operation algorithms for surgical robotic systems.
  • Contribute to defining the architecture of robotic control systems using real-time algorithms.
  • Participate in the Design Controls process, converting system requirements into verifiable designs.
  • Lead the design and testing of safety-critical and fault-detection algorithms.
  • Oversee electro-mechanical and software integration, guiding hardware and software teams.
  • Refine system performance from prototype to production, planning quarterly and annual development.
  • Document contributions to generate and protect intellectual property.

Benefits

  • Supported by experienced leadership and development teams
  • Opportunities for collaboration on complex projects
  • Contributions lead to innovative advancements in surgical robotics
  • Engagement in a focused, fast-paced work environment
  • Access to resources for professional development and continuous learning
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Function of Position:

The Systems Analyst develops algorithms that ensure the safe, reliable, and effective operation of robotic-assisted surgical systems. Responsibilities span early functional prototype development through formal product testing.

The role also provides analytical support to cross-functional engineering teams, influencing mechanism design, software architecture, and component selection through deep physical and algorithmic insight. The goal is to deliver precise motion-control performance and high-level system behaviors that respond reliably to user input.

As a member of the Future Forward engineering team, you will design, implement, and integrate complex functionality into complete surgical robotic platforms, supporting them through human-use evaluation and product release.

Success requires thriving in a focused, fast-moving environment; driving solutions from evolving requirements; and iterating methodically while upholding rigorous quality standards that prioritize patient safety. Strong learning agility, the ability to understand system requirements from both user and engineering perspectives, and a collaborative mindset are essential. You will be supported by experienced leadership and development teams committed to your success.

Essential Job Duties
  • Design, develop, and implement motion-control and tele-operation algorithms for next-generation surgical robotic systems and instruments.
  • Contribute to the architectural definition of the robotic control system, leveraging real-time and event-driven algorithms to achieve complex system behaviors.
  • Participate in all phases of the Design Controls process by identifying system requirements and converting them into safe, verifiable designs.
  • Lead the design, implementation and testing of safety-critical and fault-detection algorithms.
  • Lead the electro-mechanical and software integration of new prototypes, providing analytical and algorithmic guidance to hardware and software teams.
  • Methodically refine and improve system performance throughout maturation from prototype to production, by planning and prioritizing the development on a quarterly and annual basis.
  • Diligently document innovative contributions, generating and protecting intellectual property.


Qualifications

Required Education and Training
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or similar technical field, with 5 years of experience in control systems, servo control, or robotics.
  • Alternatively, a Ph.D. degree in one of the technical fields above, with 3 years of experience.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Expert knowledge of robotics and motion-control concepts, including kinematic/dynamic modeling and system identification.
  • Expertise in position, force, and impedance control of robotic manipulators.
  • Familiarity with control of compliant and flexible systems.
  • Experience implementing, tuning, and diagnosing real-time servo-control systems.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ for real-time control-algorithm development.
  • Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for analysis, simulation, and testing.
  • Strong analytical and debugging skills for embedded software and electromechanical systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor the communication to a broad range of audiences.
  • Effective cross-functional teamwork and strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience in all phases of the product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
  • Experience designing software products in a regulated industry or for mission critical applications; comfort with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, risk analysis, and mitigations.
  • Familiarity with IEC 62304 and software life cycle processes for medical devices.
  • Experience with Embedded Linux, or QNX, FreeRTOS or similar operating systems; experience with bare metal designs.
  • Hands-on prototyping with rapid development tools (e.g., Arduino, STM32).
  • Software development for multi-processor/multi-core systems.
  • Fluent with version control tools and build systems.
  • Hands-on engineering experience with proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.


Additional Information

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.

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.

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.
Learn more about Intuitive Surgical, Inc
Size
9,793 employees
Market Cap
$93.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+16.1%
Revenue
$4.3 billion
NASDAQ

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