Robotics and Controls Engineering 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

We are seeking a robotics and controls engineering intern to join the Future Forward development team working on a next generation medical robot. The focus of the internship will be on the development and testing of algorithms for controlling novel prototypes of robotic systems and instruments. The robotic and controls team works on the core interface of hardware and software, striving to improve patient outcomes through advanced robotic approaches.

Essential Job Duties

• Contribute to the analysis of complex medical electro-mechanical devices and servo control systems
• Design and implement scripts for testing and calibration of new mechanical designs and evaluation of algorithmic approaches
• Contribute to the development of real-time control algorithms
• Write reports and presentations detailing test results and the pros and cons of competing design approaches

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

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 Controls, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or similar degree-seeking program at the Doctorate level. Master’s level students would also be considered based on specific relevant experience.
• Strong foundational knowledge in motion control algorithms, familiarity with flexible systems and non-conventional actuation schemes
• Knowledge of software principles, practices and techniques including testability, maintainability and scalability.
• Demonstrated experience in software development; proficiency in Matlab and C/C++ preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral) with the team
• Ability to work well in a team environment

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.