Systems Analyst (Robotic Algorithms and Control) Intern
Company Description
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.
Job Description
Primary Function of Position
Systems Analysts are primarily responsible for motion control and safety algorithms for the da Vinci Surgical System. The intern will report to the hiring manager and will collaborate with the team in developing and integrating new hardware and software for minimally invasive robotic surgery. The successful candidate will have knowledge of control systems, mechanics, robot kinematics, and a solid understanding of electromechanical systems.
Essential Job Duties
- Engineering problem-solving related to surgical robotic systems development and manufacturing.
- Designing, developing, implementing, and testing key control and safety software algorithms including calibration and diagnostics.
- Performing system functional tests, data collection and analysis, and documenting the results.
- Collaborating with multiple stakeholders to produce task deliverables.
- Communicating project outcomes and lessons learned with immediate team and the broader organization.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- C/C++ and object-oriented MATLAB programming.
- Hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills.
- Strong background in first principles design/analysis, linear systems, and signal processing.
- Hands-on experience with electromechanical or mechatronics design.
- Solid understanding of dynamic systems and servo control.
- Ability to be a self-starter and to work in a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Ability to effectively communicate (written, oral) with the team.
University Hiring Program Eligibility Requirements:
- University Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in and returning to an accredited degree-seeking academic program after the internship.
- Internship Work Period: Must be available to work full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) during a 10-12 week period starting May or June. Specific start dates are shared during the recruiting process.
Required Education and Training
Current enrollment in a Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or related degree-seeking program at the Doctorate level. Master’s level students would also be considered based on specific relevant experience.
Working Conditions
- None
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience or training in medical device technology
- Hands-on experience with safety-critical robot manipulator systems
- Experience with implementing real-time control systems
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 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.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay (paid at an hourly rate), benefits, and a housing allowance. 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 relevant skills and experience for this internship, degree-seeking academic program (PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s, etc), year in school, and location. The hourly rate is prorated against the intern program salaries listed and total program compensation will be based on internship duration.