Vision Imaging Engineer - Future Forward

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 

The Vision Systems Analyst group is a part of the Vision, Imaging & Intelligence group at Intuitive. The goal of the group is to deliver the highest image quality to our surgeons for all our surgical systems. The focus of the group is mainly on the imaging algorithms, algorithmic tuning and calibration of the endoscopes, displays, and illuminators needed to accomplish excellent image quality. We also help specify and define the light source, optics, sensor and displays used on the surgical robotic systems to deliver high quality surgical images.

Essential Job Duties

• Deliver superb video quality to clinicians

• Design, implement, and improve methods and algorithms used to characterize and calibrate image sensors, cameras, and illumination solutions

Invent, evaluate and implement real-time image processing algorithms

Invent, prototype and test advanced imaging modes

Obtain and iterate surgical feedback into designs

Prepare and review patent applications

Work with external vendors for technology selection and iterations

Supporting formal risk analysis and documentation for regulatory submissions

Supporting verification and validation of the vision system

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 2 years of industry imaging experience

• Demonstrated skill at solving complex engineering problems

• Experience in developing image and video processing algorithms or control loops

• Strong scientific understanding of imaging physics and human perception

• Proficient in Matlab and C++

• Knowledgeable in camera sensors, displays, optics and illumination sources

• Advanced problem solving skills to drive resolution on complex engineering challenges

Required Education and Training 

• Minimum BS, MS or PhD (MS or PhD preferred) in computer science, electrical engineering, physics or related degree

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with GPU/CUDA programming a plus

• Experience working in a regulated industry or on mission critical applications a plus

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

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.

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.

Client-provided location(s): Sunnyvale, CA

Job ID: fc2bac25-730a-4bf5-8de9-c2750b608353

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-02-05T21:09:51