Staff Robotic Algorithms & Controls Engineer

Company Description

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.
As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.
Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.
Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.
Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

A Staff Systems Analyst contributes to the technical architecture and framework for motion control algorithms and safety systems. They use creative analytic techniques to solve complex problems. They are expected contribute to achievement of cross functional priorities using best in class practices and knowledge. They contribute directly to technology, processes, and also culture. In doing so, they leave a legacy of high individual performance and effective collaboration rooted in Intuitive Surgical’s Individual and Leadership expectations. Their technical capacity enables them to influence designs across a wide array of specialties including electrical, mechanical, software, controls, user interface, and safety engineering.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments to ensure high-fidelity motion performance in the clinical setting.
• Work closely with the clinical development team to understand performance requirements.
• Work closely with the mechanical design team to optimize the mechanism for motion fidelity and overall performance.
• Use analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanisms.
• Modify and the algorithms to optimize instrument motion fidelity.
• Implement features and algorithms to support new instruments, such as extending a cutter, or forming staples.
• Perform risk analyses and implementation of safety algorithms. This includes documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument. Additionally, establish manufacturing test specifications that will ensure instrument performance.
• Lead/support 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 the various technical specialties. You are expected to 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 analysis.
• Demonstrated history of solving difficult engineering challenges, including aligning cross functional teams through data, analysis, and first principles understanding.
• C/C++ and Matlab programming skills, as well as hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills.
• Knowledge of classical and modern servo control systems.
• Knowledge of serial-arm robot kinematics.
• Knowledge of robotic design components including sensors, motors, drive trains, and amplifiers.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Able to work autonomously and the determination to solve challenging problems.

Required Education and Training

• MS or PhD in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years experience controlling complex electro-mechanical systems with embedde