Senior Product Development Engineer Surgical Robotics - OTTAVA

Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer in Santa Clara to lead NPD/NPI initiatives for surgical robotics. You will collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and suppliers to develop robust, manufacturable medical devices that comply with GMP requirements.

You will apply advanced engineering principles, conduct DFMA analyses, and guide design decisions across teams to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and timely product launches.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing medical devices.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with GMP and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to plan, develop, qualify, and stabilize components and manufacturing processes for NPD projects.
• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to implement robust manufacturing solutions using DFM, DFA, and Design‑to‑Cost principles.
• Conduct tolerance stack‑up, GD&T and FEA analysis to ensure robust, manufacturable designs.
• Drive cost‑effective technical solutions through design simplification and material optimization.
• Lead Design Transfer activities to enable smooth transition into manufacturing.

Skills

DFM

DFA

GD&T

FEA

Design for Cost

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions 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

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function

Mechanical Engineering

Job Category

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking for a Senior Product Development Engineer Surgical Robotics – OTTAVA, for our Santa Clara, Location.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions 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 https://www.jnj.com/ (https://www.jnj.com/.

About MedTech Surgery

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

Purpose

Our team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists is at the forefront of innovation in the medical device industry. As a Senior Product Development Engineer, you will play a critical role in the New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) pipeline—driving solutions that translate cutting‑edge technology into meaningful improvements in patient care. The Development Engineering team works closely with cross‑functional partners and suppliers to deliver robust component designs and manufacturable processes that meet or exceed all product and regulatory requirements.

In this role, you will serve as a key technical contributor, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop complex, highly regulated medical devices. Senior‑level expectations include taking ownership of design elements, leading technical problem‑solving efforts, and influencing design decisions across functions. You are expected to apply advanced electrical and mechanical engineering expertise, independently resolve complex technical challenges, and proactively identify risks and opportunities throughout the development lifecycle. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role requires effective collaboration across engineering teams, suppliers, and associated management to drive alignment and execution in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to plan, develop, qualify, and stabilize component, equipment, and manufacturing processes for NPD projects.
• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to implement robust manufacturing solutions using DFM, DFA, and Design‑to‑Cost principles.
• Conduct tolerance stack‑up, GD&T and FEA analysis to ensure designs are robust and manufacturable at volume
• Drive cost‑effective technical solutions through design simplification, material optimization, and process improvements—without compromising quality or performance.
• Support formal design reviews by assessing technical feasibility, manufacturability, and cost trade‑offs to inform design decisions early.
• Serve as the liaison between R&D, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and suppliers, ensuring the voice of manufacturing is embedded in product design.
• Support Design Transfer activities to enable a smooth and compliant transition into manufacturing.
• Apply engineering fundamentals, advanced manufacturing techniques, and statistical analysis to solve complex technical problems and establish new methods and standards.
• Lead or support PFMEAs, process characterization, and control strategies in compliance with GMP requirements.
• Oversee engineering builds and pilot runs, performing root cause analysis and driving corrective actions.
• Manage