Managing Principal - AI Product Integration

Description of Position:

The da Vinci system pushes the frontier of human-machine interaction by fusing robotic technologies into a core product experience – technologies such as 3D immersive vision, high-fidelity haptic interfaces, dexterous robotic manipulators, and high-performance computing. The AI Product Integration Lead cuts across multiple disciplines to facilitate scalable development of products that make the experience of using technically complex surgical devices safe, easy to use, and confidence inspiring.

The AI Product Integration Lead will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to bring together the key components of AI/ML product solutions and their supporting infrastructure and processes—for both existing and future robotic systems in the da Vinci product line. The successful candidate has a proven track record of developing and leading high-performing teams to realize transformative new products that benefit clinical teams and their patients. They are capable of identifying and de-risking critical component technologies, infrastructure, and processes needed to support products that leverage AI/ML in mission-critical applications.

.Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Uncover unmet needs: Ensure a thorough understanding of the clinical, usability and technical problems to be solved by working with partners who bring expertise in product management, clinical applications, human factors and varied engineering disciplines. Identify and coordinate methods for rapid hands-on concept iteration to evaluate product experiences and to guide the development of clear design inputs. Engage cross-functionally to identify opportunities to leverage AI in support of product solutions;  develop clear requirements for core technology building blocks;  facilitate seamless integration with the da Vinci system architecture and overall user experience.
2. Facilitate translation of AI research to product solutions: Work closely with internal research and development teams and external partners to identify and translate state-of-the-art AI/ML technologies to address product needs. Work with subject matter experts to develop concrete metrics and methods for evaluating and de-risking technologies, within the context of product applications.
3. Coordinate AI product integration: Responsible for leading AI product integration between cross-functional partners that may include Design; Hardware and Software Engineering; Digital, Data & ML Platforms; Clinical Development; Human Factors; Test/QA; Quality and Regulatory teams.
4. Support foundational platforms for AI products: Facilitate the integration of critical platform infrastructure requirements and processes needed to advance AI-enabled medical products; including for data pipelines and platforms, edge and cloud compute, simulation, MLOps, regulatory compliance processes and documentation. Drive toward scalable platforms and processes as a foundation for enabling a longer-term product roadmap.

Skills/Job Requirements:

• Education: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics, AI/ML, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in AI/ML product development, integration, or technical lead roles, preferably in the medical device and robotics fields. A proven track record in leading complex, multidisciplinary integration projects from start to finish.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and data infrastructure. Hands-on experience with complex system integrations for mission critical applications.
• Platform Management: Experience developing or maintaining extensible and scalable platforms for supporting AI products (data platforms & pipelines, evaluation frameworks, MLOps, etc.).
• Regulatory & Quality: Familiarity with regulatory guidance, requirements and standards related to AI/ML in medical devices. Detailed working knowledge of risk management frameworks and testing/validation methodologies.
• Team building: Demonstrated experience building high-performing technical teams that have successfully developed and launched AI-enabled products.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to leverage data to drive priorities and decision making.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results in fast-paced, innovative, and multi-disciplinary environments.
• A high-degree of design & technical creativity.
• Willingness to travel to support site visits, case observations, and field testing.

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.