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# Systems Research Engineer

- **Company:** Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
- **Location:** Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Nvidia CUDA, Computer Engineering, Embedded Operating Systems, Firmware, Hardware Interface Design, Iterative and Incremental Development, Inter-Process Communication, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Machine Learning, Motion Planning, Performance Tuning, Cloud Services, Tensorflow, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Subsystems, Systems Architecture, Multithreading, Real Time Systems, Pytorch, Yocto, Information Technology, Hardware Acceleration, Data Pipelines, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-systems-research-engineer-embodied-ai-robotics-intuitive-10435363

## About the Role

* Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field; advanced degrees preferred.
 * Minimum 6 years of embedded systems software development (or equivalent experience), including R&D and innovation environments.
 * Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, Matlab) and building real-time, multi-threaded applications.
 * Experience with industrial embedded operating systems (e.g., QNX, Yocto), inter-process communication, hardware interfaces, and CUDA programming.
 * Experience with machine learning models, and frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc
 * Expertise in developing AI/ML-based embedded solutions, including training and fine-tuning foundation models and hardware acceleration techniques.
 * Experience in robotics, including motion control, perception, sensor fusion, path planning, and optimizing models for platforms with limited resources.
 * Strong problem-solving, adaptability to new technologies, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

## Description

You will act as architect, developer, and integrator, partnering cross-functionally with motion controls, perception, AI/ML, software, and hardware teams to address significant unmet needs. Success in this role requires excelling in an agile, small-team environment-transforming initial concepts into robust prototypes, iterating methodically, and consistently maintaining safety, performance, and quality with a patient-first mindset., * System Architecture & Integration: Design and optimize software interfaces between subsystems, ensuring seamless integration between edge AI, firmware, OS, hardware, and cloud services. You will oversee the deployment and continuous improvement of these systems to ensure high reliability and performance.

 * Robotic Control & Data Pipelines: Architect and build robust data pipelines and real-time systems for sensor fusion, perception, and robotic control. You will focus on optimizing AI/ML models specifically for embedded platforms to achieve low-latency execution.
 * Engineering Excellence: Apply rigorous software practices, including writing maintainable code, modular architecture, and comprehensive testing. You will document intellectual property and adapt to evolving project needs by exploring diverse frameworks before specializing in high-impact technology stacks.
 * Project Ownership & Strategy: Lead complex, end-to-end embodied intelligence projects, making critical architectural decisions and technical trade-offs. You will define the strategic roadmap for the robotics platform-from foundational models to real-time onboard inference-while serving as a core contributor to team planning and design reviews.
 * Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with motion controls, perception, and hardware teams during early-stage exploration to address clinical, functional, and safety requirements. You will work closely with the research and product development teams to integrate perception, planning, navigation, and multimodal ML models onto edge platforms.
 * Iterative Development: Refine designs by balancing technical feasibility with schedules and resource constraints. You will drive the transition from broad technical exploration to deep-dive implementation as the product matures.