Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead: Smart Factory & Robotics

Biopharma Careers; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking an innovative Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead to spearhead the design, implementation, and optimization of our next-generation smart factory capabilities in support of the OTTAVA Surgical Robotic Platform. At Johnson & Johnson, a focus on Credo-guided innovation and compliance in a regulated manufacturing environment drives this role.

You will shape technology strategy, guide engineering execution, and advance digital transformation across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, Automation, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing systems, automation, or digital manufacturing, with senior technical leadership experience in Industry 4.0 environments.
• Deep hands‑on expertise with MES platforms, manufacturing data architectures, IIoT integrations, and shop-floor-to-cloud connectivity.
• Demonstrated skill in applying Industry 4.0 methodologies, including IIoT, connected assets, digital twins, advanced analytics, and edge/cloud computing in manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of smart factory concepts, digital twins, advanced process control, and data-driven manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional technical programs and influence without direct authority.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executives.

Responsibilities

• Defining and leading the digital manufacturing technology strategy aligned with smart factory, Industry 4.0, and business objectives.
• Define measurable KPIs and track program impact, ensuring scalability across technical programs.
• Serving as the principal technical assessor for digital manufacturing systems, including MES, Cloud platform, digital twins, advanced process control, Industry 4.0, and analytics.
• Responsible for reusable architecture, standards, and technology roadmap implementations.
• Driving the architecture, design, and deployment of connected manufacturing solutions that integrate shop-floor systems with enterprise platforms.
• Leading and mentoring a core team of engineers, providing technical direction and reviews.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, cybersecurity, and supply chain teams.
• Identify and pilot emerging technologies (AI/ML, digital twins, edge computing) to improve yield and time-to-market.
• Manage partners and system integrators with evaluations and delivery oversight.

Skills

MES platforms

IIoT integrations

Industrial automation

Digital manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

ERP systems

PLM

Cloud platforms

Job description

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking an innovative Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead to spearhead the design, implementation, and optimization of our next-generation smart factory capabilities in support of the OTTAVA Surgical Robotic Platform. At Johnson & Johnson, a focus on Credo-guided innovation and compliance in a regulated manufacturing environment drives this role.

You will shape technology strategy, guide engineering execution, and advance digital transformation across