Embedded Software Engineer - Platform

Our team designs and builds the embedded platform software infrastructure that supports critical performance, safety and user-facing features of the da Vinci™ Surgical System, Intuitive’s flagship product. We’re looking for a high energy, talented, engineer to contribute broadly to the embedded software stack.  In this role, you will use C++ & Python to develop network and systems software that expands the capabilities of Da Vinci 5 while improving robustness, reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability.

 Responsibilities:

• Enhance performance, robustness and telemetry data of the embedded, highly distributed, inter-processor communication network
• Develop thoughtful and safe system responses when compute nodes are added or removed from the network in areas of subsystem state restoration, in-flight data handling, fault reaction logic
• Develop methods of monitoring network latency and the associated system response when suboptimal connection conditions emerge
• Design and develop product-focused C++ software in a heterogeneous, multi-processor SoC/FPGA/real-time-embedded environment
• Analyze and quantify overall system performance and safety, including verification of adherence to specifications as well as identification of improvement opportunities, such as reduced latency and increased reliability/determinism
• Extend existing tools and create new tools to support such analysis efforts
• Develop aggregation of orphaned log/telemetry data in system failure conditions so backend data pipelines can create a complete view of the system state in those conditions
• Interface and collaborate with a cross-functional team, including Real-time Servo SW, Electrical and FPGA Engineering, Systems Analysis, User Interface Engineering, Manufacturing and Clinical Engineering to develop technical specifications and evaluate design trade-offs
• Perform formal risk analysis, define requirements, implement mitigations, draft and run V&V, and participate in design transfer to manufacturing activities

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience; or Master's degree and 3+ years of experience; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent experience
• Hands-on software development experience in modern C++ and familiarity with design patterns
• Experience working on product-focused designs in a team environment w/demonstrated ownership of your area of responsibility and of the overall product
• Proven ability to proactively engage with the unknown/unfamiliar, learn how things work and apply that learning to new challenges
• Python or shell scripting
• Experience with designing software products in an FDA or other regulated industry or for mission critical applications; comfortable with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, and risk analysis/mitigations

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.

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.