Embedded Software Engineer Vison Systems

As an Embedded Software Engineer in the Future Forward organization you will work at the forefront of innovation rapid prototyping and new product development. Youll collaborate with talented cross-functional teamsincluding engineers clinicians and product managersto advance Intuitives robotic surgical platform driving the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch.

In this role you will design develop and integrate embedded and platform software across a complex robotic system interfacing with hardware firmware control algorithms vision pipelines user interfaces and test infrastructure including fault-injection and diagnostic frameworks. You will contribute to the architecture implementation and system-level integration of advanced functionalities into complete surgical robotic platforms supporting product release and validated human use. Your work will be critical to meeting delivery milestones while ensuring safe reliable and compliant operation for patients worldwide.

Success in this role requires excelling in an agile small-team environmenttransforming initial concepts into robust prototypes methodically iterating designs and consistently maintaining exceptional product quality with a patient-first mindset.

Essential Job Duties

• Design and develop robust embedded software to enable system infrastructure including OS drivers hardware interfaces real-time data pipelines inter-processor communication error handling and user/test applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle with key stakeholders to address clinical needs and safety requirements.
• Translate early requirements into prototype implementations to evaluate iterate and advance novel robotic systems.
• Conduct rigorous unit testing to support system integration and ensure reliable robust system operation.
• Contribute to hazard and failure mode analysis defining appropriate mitigations.
• Refine and iterate designs balancing technical requirements feasibility schedules and resource constraints.
• Produce clear and compliant supporting documentation in alignment with Intuitives development and quality guidelines.
• Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality and safety standards per the Intuitive Quality Management System.

Qualifications :

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and supporting embedded systems; or 3 years with a Masters degree; or 1 year with a PhD.
• Highly proficient in developing C/C embedded and real-time software for multi-core multi-processor systems especially on embedded Linux and QNX.
• Demonstrated experience with board bring-up device driver development and integration of new hardware components.
• Skilled in version control systems and collaborative development environments supporting efficient iterative improvement.
• Familiarity with a wide range of communication protocolsincluding TCP/IP CAN I2C SPIand serialization standards such as protobuf.
• Strong problem-solving skills and debugging capabilities for complex embedded software and electromechanical systems.
• In-depth understanding of failure mode and risk analysis with a track record in safety-critical product-focused designs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrates passion for innovation continuous learning and developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in patients lives.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with robotics and embedded software for complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Knowledgeable in Python or Matlab for automation diagnostics and testing.
• Familiarity with FPGA development and interfaces.
• Familiarity with CUDA programming and memory management concepts.
• Cyber-security concepts such as secure boot authentication and encryption.
• Hands-on engineering experience with proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• 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.

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.

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.

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 employeeswho 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 governments 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 employeesstart 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 candidates experience knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidates qualifications consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process please contact People Services at

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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time