Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineer (Systems Analyst) Internship

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.

Primary Function of Position

Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineers) at Intuitive Surgical advance the capabilities of the industry-leading robotic platform for minimally invasive surgery though rigorous and robust technical analysis.  This internship position is responsible for motion control and software architecture of fixtures that characterize and calibrate daVinci instruments during manufacture. Required skills include knowledge of control systems, software development, and a solid understanding of mechanical systems.

Essential Job Duties

• Based on a solid understanding of the instrument mechanics/dynamics, develop motion routines to test, calibrate, and aid in assembly of the instruments.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing software team to integrate these motion routines into the fixture software.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing engineering team to understand and optimize workflow.
• Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project.  Using this perspective, you will act as an interface between various technical specialties; Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use your broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.

Required Skills and Experience

• Intuitive understanding of mechanical phenomena with ability to do rigorous analysis.
• Knowledge of servo control systems.
• C/C++ and MATLAB programming skills, as well as hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and the determination to solve challenging problems.

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 Mechanical 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

• Knowledge of Python and basic SQL is a plus.
• Knowledge of statistics is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical design principles and CAD tools is a plus.

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.

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.