Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Platform Networking

Overview In this role you will lead the embedded networking software for Intuitive’s next-generation surgical robotics platform (dV5). You’ll own architecture across the embedded network stack and shape a multi-year technical roadmap, driving reliability, low-latency data transfer, and deterministic real-time paths for safety-critical data. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align hardware and software, mentor engineers, and solve high-stakes networking challenges. This is a hands-on leadership position at a medical-device innovator transforming patient care. Join a focused, impact-driven team that builds the foundational software for robotic systems that improve lives. ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and deliver features across the embedded network stack and define the technical roadmapEnhance reliability with redundancy and fault-tolerance strategiesOptimize performance for growing data transfer needs (low latency, traffic shaping, queue management)Develop a distributed publish/subscribe framework based on DDS-style middlewareCreate Layer 5 session APIs for seamless disconnect/reconnect of services and nodesSet standards for Layer 2/Layer 3 software, Ethernet drivers, and real-time safety pathsLead design reviews, mentor engineers, and maintain high-quality, rigorous debuggingAct as technical authority on hardware integration and escalate complex hardware-software networking failuresDrive alignment with cross-functional teams to negotiate requirements and resolve tradeoffsInfluence build-versus-buy decisions and middleware investments to reduce technical debt Key requirementsBachelor’s degree with 10+ years, or Master’s with 8+ years in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fieldProven technical leadership on complex systems, architecture ownership, and mentoringStrong communication and ability to explain architectural tradeoffs to engineers and executivesExpert OSI networking knowledge across all 7 layers, TCP/IP, and Ethernet switch fabric; expert C/C++ for embedded developmentExperience delivering high-speed networking software in switching, robotics, automotive, or aerospace; strong low-level Ethernet MAC/PHY driver developmentExperience with Linux and embedded RTOS; understanding memory management, concurrency, and interruptsExperience leveraging new tools/AI coding assistants to speed up development and adoptionStrong communicatorCritical thinkerCross-functional collaborationOSI networking across 7 layersTCP/IP stack internalsEthernet switching fabric design