Senior Systems Analyst (Robotic Algorithms and Control)

Join Multi-Port System Design Engineering, the team that brought the da Vinci 5 system to life and is building what comes next. Learn more at

Primary Function of Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Control) at Intuitive Surgical perform a central role in the design, development, and support of new products in the daVinci Surgery product line. Systems Analysts are primarily responsible for the tele-robotic motion control algorithms, robotic manipulator control, interaction behaviors, and safety algorithms for new surgical robots and surgical instruments. This responsibility crosses into electrical, mechanical, software, control, user interface, and safety engineering where all the subsystems are integrated together. Systems Analysts strive to provide early design input, quickly prove out new designs, and seek out solutions to subtle and challenging problems in system integration and motion control. Responsibilities continue until the products are shipping to customers with the highest quality and reliability.

Essential Job Duties

• Contribute to design of new surgical platforms and instruments through control system analysis and characterization of prototypes.
• Design and implement motion algorithms and behaviors.
• Apply control theory to the design and verification of mechatronic and tele-robotic systems.
• Analyze complex electro-mechanical devices for dynamic safety and clinical risk.
• Create safety monitoring algorithms based on sound physics.
• Participate in clinical observations and experiments to ensure that performance requirements are relevant and realistic.
• Document and pursue intellectual property.
• Communicate system performance to the organization as a whole.
• Improve group work-flow through tool building and teaching others.
• Support and track system performance as it moves from design through manufacturing.
• Participate in clinical observations and experiments to ensure performance requirements are relevant, measurable, and realistic.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced knowledge of classical and modern control theory, with hands-on experience implementing control systems in safety critical products.
• Demonstrated experience with robotic manipulation algorithms, including learning-based/ML approaches.
• Strong embedded C/C++ and system integration experience (hardware + firmware/software + mechanisms).
• Strong engineering intuition for mechatronic systems, paired with attention to detail and the ability to drive solutions to completion.
• Ability to excel in a high-energy team environment, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while balancing collaboration on project planning, execution, and communication.
• Passion for product quality and continuous improvements.

Required Education and Training

• 6 years experience and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.

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.