Robotics Controls & Autonomy Interns - Robotics R&D

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; California (MO); On-site; USD 44,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson invites applications for Robotics Controls & Autonomy Interns in Santa Clara, CA. This internship focuses on developing and testing control algorithms for OTTAVA, with real-time C++ software and ROS-based workflows.

You’ll collaborate across engineering, AI/ML, and clinical disciplines to advance surgical robotics. The role requires hands-on robotics experience, coursework in AI/CS/Robotics, and full-time availability for the internship window, June–August 2027.

Qualifications

• Permanent US work authorization without sponsorship now or in the future.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited program returning to academia after the internship.
• Majors include AI, CS, Robotics, Data Science, Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, Software Engineering.
• Available to work full‑time (40 hours/week) and hours set with manager.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 across coursework.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and test control algorithms for complex robotic systems.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and debugging to ensure software quality.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to define software architecture and system requirements.
• Develop C++ software for real-time, safety-critical applications.
• Document software design, algorithms, and implementation details.

Skills

Robotics hardware

C++ / Python

Kinematics & dynamics

Control theory & estimation

Communication & documentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master/PhD candidate

GPA 3.0

Full-time availability 40 h/wk

US work authorization

Target majors: AI/CS/Robotics/Software

Tools

ROS

Simulation tools

Hardware-in-the-loop

Embedded firmware

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:

Career Programs

Job Sub Function:

Non-LDP Intern/Co-Op

Job Category:

Career Program

All Job Posting Locations:

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description:

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we're developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of surgery? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how we heal? Our Surgery team will give you the chance to deliver surgical technologies and solutions to surgeons and
healthcare professionals around the world. Your contributions will help effectively treat some of the world’s most prevalent conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Patients are waiting.

Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/medtech

We are searching for the best talent for Robotics Controls & Autonomy Interns within Robotics R&D.

Purpose: The OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System is the first soft tissue surgical robotic system with robotic arms fully integrated into the OR table. OTTAVA is purpose-built to advance surgery today and where it goes next. Its unique architecture, automated features, next-generation robotic surgical instruments, and connection to an open digital ecosystem create a foundation to fit seamlessly into operating rooms today and support more digitally enabled, data-driven surgery in the future.

The Robotics Controls & Autonomy Intern will join the wider Robotics & Controls team working on the OTTAVA Surgical System. We are a group of highly motivated roboticists working on development of algorithms and productions level software that live at the heart of OTTAVA. We work in a variety of exciting robotic functions including, but not limited to, AI and automation, kinematic and dynamic analysis, motion generation, control algorithms, system response characterization, performance and detailed software development.

You will be responsible for:

• Develop, implement, and test control algorithms for complex robotic systems.

• Participate in code reviews, testing, and debugging to ensure software quality.

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to define software architecture and system requirement.

• Develop C++ software for real-time, safety critical applications.

• Documentation of software design, algorithms, and implementation details.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Education

• Currently enrolled in an accredited program pursuing a bachelor’s, graduate or PhD degree returning to an academic program after the completion of the internship.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 reflective of all coursework

• Commitment to June 1 - August 20, 2027, or June 21 - September 10, 2027; term dates to align with cohort

• Available to work full‑time (40 hours/week) and during hours agreed upon with the hiring manager.

• Target majors include Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Data Science, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, and Software Engineering or closely related field.

Must-Have

• Permanent US work authorization without the need for sponsorship now, or in the future (The company does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status. Students currently in the country on CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT require future sponsorship).

Required Skills

• Hands‑on experience with robotic hardware.

• Experience in C++, Python, or similar languages.

• Understanding of robot forward and inverse kinematics and dynamics.

• Knowledge of classical control theory and estimation techniques.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn, evaluate, and adopt new AI tools and platforms to meet evolving project needs.

• Experience applying classical mechanics analysis techniques in real world applications.

• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages.

• Experience with control systems, perception, AI/ML, or embedded firmware.

• Familiarity with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS), simulation tools, or hardware‑in‑the-loop testing.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to impactful projects that directly improve surgical outcomes and patient safety.
• Gain hands‑on experience across multiple software domains within robotics.
• Work alongside industry‑leading experts from engineering, AI/ML, and clinical disciplines.
• Thrive in an inclusive, innovative, and growth‑oriented environment.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Ineligibility for severance.

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.

If you are under 18 years of age you (the candidate) may need to obtain the necessary working papers or other documentation required by state law to start the assignment, as well as get a parent’s consent for the background check.

#LI-Hybrid #RoboticsEiC

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

The expected base pay for this position is Sophomore $32/hr, Junior $35.50/hr, Senior $39/hr, Master’s degree $46.50/hr, PhD degree $61/hr.

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Co‑Ops/Interns are eligible to participate in Company sponsored employee medical benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan. Co‑Ops and Interns are eligible for the following sick time benefits: up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington, up to 56 hours per calendar year Co‑Ops and Interns are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension)