Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineer

Primary Function of Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineers) at Intuitive Surgical strive to create the safest and highest quality robotic system for minimally invasive surgery through 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.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments.
• 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.
• Use analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanism.
• Modify and tune 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, including documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
• Analyze field data to continuously improve the performance and stability of the surgical instrument.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument, and determine manufacturing test specifications.
• Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project, acting as an interface between various technical specialties.
• Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.

Required Skills and Experience

• 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

Required Education and Training

• Minimum PhD (preferred) or MS in robotics-related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a robotics-related field preferred

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of Python and basic SQL
• Knowledge of statistics and probabilistic reasoning
• Knowledge of electrical, software, and mechanical design principles and CAD tools
• Experience conducting research with human subjects
• Experience launching real-world, commercially successful products