Systems Engineer

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive . As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care , our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion —have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare , you’ll find your purpose here.

Description

The Systems Engineer will work with a group of talented and dedicated people focused on the development and integration of advanced mechatronic systems for medical robotics, including fiber optic shape sensing. The successful candidate will contribute to the research and development of next generation platforms spanning sensing, actuation, and electro-mechanical system integration.

As a member of the engineering team, you will work closely with other engineers to design and develop hardware and software systems to support assembly and testing from the research phase to manufacturing. Responsibilities will span multiple technology areas, reflecting the team's growing scope across mechatronic subsystems and medical device development. The successful candidate must excel in a small focused team environment, be able to find solutions to problems from rough requirements, and have a commitment to high quality products.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work in an R&D environment designing advanced mechatronic systems to enable integration and assembly of product components across multiple technology areas

• Design and deploy test fixtures and system-level solutions to support the development of new products

• Develop software to integrate hardware subsystems including motion control, feedback systems, and machine vision

• Design and characterize electro-mechanical assemblies including sensors, actuators, and drive systems

• Assist in the development of processes and architectures for complex mechatronic systems

• Collaborate on a cross-functional team to ensure hardware and software meet all system-level requirements across diverse product platforms

• Develop and document software and hardware systems

• Develop protocols and perform formal verification and validation of hardware and software releases

Skill/Job Requirements:

The candidate must have:

• BS degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Computer, or Industrial Systems Engineering, or a similar field related to software, electronics, robotics, or electro-mechanical systems

• Experience developing software to control or integrate hardware subsystems or complex electro-mechanical equipment

• Hands-on experience with mechatronic system design, including sensors, actuators, and embedded control

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience testing and troubleshooting hardware and software at the system level

• A passion for creating robust and reliable products

Prior experience in the following areas are optional but highly desirable:

• Experience with NI LabVIEW

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g. Python, JavaScript, etc.) for diagnostics, data analysis, and test automation

• Experience with stepper or servo motors, and position feedback

• Experience with cameras and vision systems

• Experience in mechanical design and tolerance analysis

• Experience with fiber optics or other advanced sensing technologies

• Experience in medical device development or regulated product environments

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.