> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2238291-staff-software-engineer-emulation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2238291-staff-software-engineer-emulation). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Staff Software Engineer - Emulation

- **Company:** Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
- **Location:** Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $223,900.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Software Bug Management, C++ (Programming Language), Nvidia CUDA, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Emulators, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, System Software, Systems Integration, PIC Microcontroller, Git, Information Technology, Docker
- **Published:** August 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.disabledperson.com/jobs/74544339-staff-software-engineer-emulation

## About the Role

* 12 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer science or another relevant engineering discipline, or 8 years of experience and a Master's degree, or 5 years of experience and a PhD degree; or equivalent experience
 * Extensive experience understanding and debugging complex systems
 * Excellent knowledge of Software Engineering and Computer Science fundamentals
 * Experience using C++ and Python
 * Proficient communication skill and the ability to collaborate with a diverse range of talented engineers

Preferred Skills & Experience

 * Experience with CUDA and graphics acceleration
 * Experience with Linux process management, signals, and inter process communication
 * Working knowledge of or willingness to learn microcontrollers and embedded software for memory-mapped I/O
 * Some experience with Docker and Git

## Description

The Multiport Software Group within Intuitive has an immediate opening for an experienced Software Engineer with a focus on the internal da Vinci emulator. You will be on a small team responsible for building, deploying, and supporting our full-system emulator and hybrid hardware-in-the-loop setups.

A successful candidate must excel in a high-energy focused team environment and must balance delivery of new features, supporting existing features, and tracking system changes. An excellent candidate can rapidly learn the large complex and continually evolving systems, through establishing working relationships with multiple engineers in multiple departments and direct experimentation with the existing system. A deep sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required, as is the ability to make work fun and interesting

Essential Job Duties

 * Lead the emulation team on industry-standard or innovative approaches to developing performance system emulators.
 * Expand the functionality of the internal da Vinci emulator by faithfully emulating microcontrollers, sensors, FPGAs, and physics models.
 * Learn and explore the continuously evolving da Vinci system software and firmware.
 * Explore creative ways to faithfully emulate da Vinci hardware.
 * An advocate for hardware "simulation first" that educates developer on the productivity benefits of using the emulator.
 * Continuously follow up with developers (i.e. our internal customers) to support feature requests, bug fixes, and system integration.


## Related Videos

- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94)
- [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered)
- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker)
- [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)
- [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree)