Senior Systems Engineer, MedTech & Robotics Prototyping

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Pension plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Senior System Engineer in Boston/Raynham to define, integrate, and evaluate advanced technology prototypes for surgical robotics and digital orthopedic applications. The role emphasizes rapid learning, hands-on prototype work, and collaboration across R&D, clinical, quality, and regulatory teams.

The candidate will lead system definition, demonstration planning, and feasibility studies, with an autonomous, problem-solving mindset and strong documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of multidisciplinary systems engineering, prototype development, or applied research.
• Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices, surgical robotics, navigation, or digital surgery preferred.
• Knowledge of embedded systems, software/firmware development, electromechanical systems, sensing technologies, or controls is a plus.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, prototype development, and demonstration planning principles.
• Experience with requirements, demonstration planning, and technical documentation tools.
• Familiarity with prototyping and automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) is a plus.
• Excellent technical writing and demonstration reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive system definition and demonstration strategy for advanced technology prototypes and proofs of concept, including architecture, integration approach, and success criteria.
• Develop and document prototype requirements, translating technology hypotheses and early user needs into clear, verifiable criteria.
• Collaborate across R&D, clinical, quality, regulatory, and engineering disciplines to assess technology feasibility and integration potential.
• Work hands-on with prototypes, demonstration setups, and experimental platforms to accelerate technical learning and decision-making.
• Develop prototype system architectures integrating external technologies, electromechanical subsystems, software, sensing, and controls.
• Apply risk-based engineering judgment to identify prototype hazards, technical limitations, and evidence gaps.
• Define system behaviors, demonstration scenarios, performance metrics, and acceptance criteria for feasibility studies.
• Plan and execute feasibility and characterization studies for foundational technologies and early prototypes in lab or simulated use environments.
• Lead technical reviews of prototypes and technology options, contributing to discussions on assumptions, risks, and trade-offs.
• Define prototype interfaces to ensure compatibility, demonstration readiness, and safe integration across subsystems.
• Apply robust experimental design and data-driven evaluation methods, including statistical analysis and repeatability assessment.
• Characterize prototype performance, durability, accuracy, and failure modes under representative experimental conditions.
• Support documentation of feasibility results, limitations, and integration risks for technology transition decisions.
• Investigate prototype anomalies observed during demonstrations, lead root cause analysis, and help define corrective actions.
• Assist in performing select verification or characterization tests on prototypes as needed, supporting the broader test team with hands-on execution and data collection.
• Partner with the Project Manager to prepare, plan, and lead cadaveric specimen testing of prototypes, coordinating logistics, protocols, and technical readiness for these studies.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, agile advanced technology environment, adapting plans quickly as priorities evolve.
• Support advanced technology planning, including prototype build plans and feasibility schedules, and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers.
• Prepare and deliver prototype demonstrations for internal stakeholders, leadership, and external partners, ensuring prototypes are demonstration-ready and clearly showcase key capabilities and learnings.
• Support Voice of Customer (VoC) activities and surgeon engagement events by preparing prototypes, coordinating logistics, and capturing structured feedback to inform technology maturation.

Skills

MBSE

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

Software lifecycle

Scripting languages

Software testing

Data analysis

Technical writing

Demonstration planning

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems/Software/Mechatronics/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Senior System Engineer in Boston/Raynham to define, integrate, and evaluate advanced technology prototypes for surgical robotics and digital orthopedic applications. The role emphasizes rapid learning, hands-on prototype work, and collaboration across R&D, clinical, quality, and regulatory teams.

The candidate will lead system definition, demonstration planning, and feasibility studies, with an autonomous, problem-solving mindset and strong documentation skills.