- Robot type
- Surgical and Medical
- Location
- SunnyvaleCaliforniaUSA
- Job type
- Hardware
- Posted
- Jun 18, 2026
Full-time
Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineer
Job description
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.
Job responsibilities
- 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.
Job requirements
- 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
- Knowledge of Python and basic SQL