Hardware Engineering Manager - Robotics R&D

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson’s Ottava RAD team in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Hardware Engineering Manager to lead architecture, development, and execution of robotic mechanical subsystems within the capital hardware portfolio. You will grow and support a high-performing engineering team while balancing technical depth and people leadership.

You will collaborate with software, controls, manufacturing, quality, and clinical teams to drive results, design actuators, structures, sensors, and transition designs to

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or equivalent fields required.
• 6+ years of experience in robotics and/or medical device development preferred.
• Proven technical leadership in product development from concept through launch.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong fundamentals in mechatronics, materials, FEA, and GD&T.
• Experience with medical device regulations (IEC 60601, 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, ISO 14971) and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of robotic capital hardware for surgical environments.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical and electrical engineers, supporting growth and execution.
• Contribute hands-on to subsystem design, including actuators, structures, and sensors.
• Drive rapid prototyping and transition to commercial-ready designs.
• Provide technical guidance on feasibility, test strategies, and product direction.
• Collaborate across software, controls, systems, manufacturing, quality, and clinical teams.
• Participate in design reviews, cross-functional discussions, and clinical labs.
• Engage vendors and external partners to support development and commercialization.
• Support innovation through new concepts, technologies, and design improvements.

Skills

Mechatronics

Materials

FEA

GD&T

Robotics

Medical device regulations

Technical leadership

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:

R&D Electrical/Mechatronic Engineering

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description:

The Robotics and Digital solutions (RAD) group, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is recruiting for a Hardware Engineering Manager for the Ottava R&D Team. This position is located in Santa Clara, CA.

What We Do:

The Ottava R&D team envisions a future for robotic intervention that is targeted, minimally invasive, and personalized. Building upon a deep understanding of patient and physician needs, we are developing a platform for the next evolution of soft-tissue robotic care.

Who We Are:

We are a team of mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, robotic controls, software, and clinical engineers who are passionate about improving patient care. The team includes a wide range of experience levels from junior engineers to industry experts. We follow an iterative design approach to product development that requires us to collaborate closely across clinical, capital hardware, and instruments & accessories teams. We value autonomy and empower each other to take action while remaining a supportive and closely knit team. We take pride in our culture and are committed to building an environment that is inclusive and promotes diversity of thought through varied experiences and backgrounds.

You:

As the Hardware Engineering Manager on the Ottava R&D team, you will play a key role in designing and building one of the world’s most advanced medical robotic platforms. You will be responsible for leading the architecture, development, and execution of robotic mechanical subsystems within our capital hardware portfolio, while also growing and supporting a high-performing team of engineers.

This is a highly visible role for a leader who enjoys balancing technical depth, hands‑on engineering contribution, and people leadership. You will work alongside cross‑functional engineering teams to drive meaningful contributions in areas including custom actuator design, structural design, sensor integration, and novel human-robot interaction technologies. As our programs evolve, you will help shape both the product and the team that brings it to life.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of robotic capital hardware for surgical environments.

• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical and electrical engineers, supporting growth and execution.

• Contribute hands‑on to subsystem design, including actuators, structures, and sensors.

• Drive rapid prototyping and transition to commercial‑ready designs.

• Provide technical guidance on feasibility, test strategies, and product direction.

• Collaborate across software, controls, systems, manufacturing, quality, and clinical teams.

• Participate in design reviews, cross‑functional discussions, and clinical labs.

• Engage vendors and external partners to support development and commercialization.

• Support innovation through new concepts, technologies, and design improvements.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, And Experience:

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or equivalent fields with 6** + years of experience** (robotics and/or medical device preferred).

• Proven technical leadership in product development (concept through launch).

• Experience leading or mentoring engineers.

• Strong fundamentals: Mechatronics, materials, FEA, GD&T.

• Experience developing and launching complex robotic/electromechanical systems.

• Familiarity with medical device regulations (IEC 60601, 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, ISO 14971 ) , ASME standards and IEEE standards.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $134,000.00 to $231, 150.00

The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑and long‑term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.

Employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).

This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long‑term incentive program.

Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:

• Vacation – up to 120 hours per calendar year

• Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year

• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – up to 13 days per calendar year

• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year

For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation,external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers. internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Electromechanical Systems, Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing (GD&T), Medical Device Regulations, Robotic Machines

Preferred Skills:

Business Behavior, Consulting, Critical Thinking, Design Mindset, Design Thinking, Developing Others, Electrical Engineering, Feasibility Studies, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Focus, Research and Development, Robotic Automation, SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Smart Systems, Technical Research

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$134,000.00 - $231,150.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency: