Senior Research Software Engineer

Company Description

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

The Senior Research Software Engineer will design and prototype advanced software applications that leverage real-time robotics data, artificial intelligence, mobile platforms, and cloud technologies. This role requires a broad software engineering background, versatility across multiple domains, and a strong interest in building innovative, exploratory solutions.

You do not need to have experience in every area listed, but you should bring depth in some domains and the adaptability to expand into others as projects evolve. Success in this role requires strong technical skills, the ability to break down complex problems, and a structured approach to proposing and iteratively refining solutions.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Prototype and evaluate software applications that integrate real-time robotics and sensor data.
• Apply expertise in web development, mobile applications, and AI (Generative, CV) to create intelligent, adaptive, and impactful solutions.
• Develop across multiple platforms, including web, mobile (iOS/Android), and cloud environments.
• Break down complex technical challenges, propose solutions, and refine them through iterative development.
• Apply a systems thinking approach to ensure solutions account for technology, users, and workflow integration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, researchers, and clinicians to translate early concepts into functional prototypes.
• Maintain strong engineering practices, including modular architecture, testing, and documentation.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and assess their potential to enhance surgical workflows.
• Contribute to a culture of creativity, experimentation, and rapid iteration.

Qualifications

Skill/Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred, or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience, including at least 2+ years in an R&D, innovation, or exploratory environment.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (for example, Python, C++, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript).
• Hands-on experience in two or more of the following areas, with willingness to flex into others as projects demand:
• Full-stack web development (React, Node.js, cloud APIs).
• Mobile application development (iOS/Swift, Android/Kotlin, react-native, or cross-platform frameworks).
• AI (Generative, CV) — including algorithm development, model integration, or applied use cases.
• Ability to design applications that process and visualize real-time data streams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to structure and iterate on solutions in ambiguous contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Full-stack web development (React, Node.js, cloud APIs).
• Mobile application development (iOS/Swift, Android/Kotlin, react-native, or cross-platform frameworks).
• AI (Generative, CV) — including algorithm development, model integration, or applied use cases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying software innovation in healthcare, robotics, or other complex technology domains.
• Contributions to research publications, patents, or open-source projects.
• Prior experience in an advanced development or exploratory R&D environment.
• Additional depth in AI (Generative, CV) applications or in building scalable, data-driven solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and domains, bringing curiosity and creativity to problem solving.
• Proven ability to apply a systems thinking approach when designing and evaluating complex solutions.

Additional Information

• Location: Sunnyvale, CA (onsite).
• Travel: Up to 10%, including lab and preclinical environments.
• Compensation: Competitive salary, equity, annual bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
• Intuitive is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair-chance laws.

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.

Mandatory Notices

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.