Sr Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer/Surgical Robotics-OTTAVA

Johnson & Johnson MedTech; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & J&N Med Tech in Santa Clara, CA, is recruiting a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to lead precision electromechanical assembly for the OTTAVA surgeon input device. You will own the full manufacturing engineering lifecycle from subassemblies to final production, ensuring high fidelity input and robust, scalable processes.

This role demands deep hands-on expertise and cross-functional collaboration to deliver safe, high-performance surgical robotics equipment.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of manufacturing or assembly engineering experience in medical device/regulated environment.
• Strong expertise in precision electromechanical mechanisms, encoder/sensor integration, and assembly processes.
• Experience maturing manufacturing processes from prototype to scalable production; NPI awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and own assembly processes for the OTTAVA surgeon input device and its subassemblies.
• Develop assembly sequence logic for error control, friction, and encoder alignment.
• Define datum schemes, fixturing strategies, and measurement methods across assembly stages.
• Lead manufacturing change control and production release activities; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Precision assembly

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

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

Job Function

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function

Manufacturing Engineering

Job Category

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description

Johnson & J&N Med Tech, a member of Johnson & J&N's Family of Companies, is recruiting for a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Santa Clara, CA!

At Johnson & J&N, 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/

About Johnson & J&N MedTech

J&J Robotics was established in 2020 with the integration of Auris Health, Verb Surgical, C-SATS, and Ethicon. It comprises three key med-tech platforms: Surgical Robotics (OTTAVA™), Flexible Robotics (MONARCH®), and Digital Solutions. Join our collaborative, rapidly growing team where you'll create breakthrough medical technologies that unite multiple subject areas to build a connected digital ecosystem that advances medical professionals' skills and improves patient outcomes.

In this role, you will lead manufacturing engineering for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device, the surgeon-facing control subsystem attached to the Physician Console that captures precise hand inputs used to remotely control surgical instruments and endoscopes. You will integrate mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, assembly, calibration, and test requirements to deliver robust and scalable production processes for this critical electromechanical subsystem.

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

• We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer with drive and expertise in precision electromechanical devices and multi-axis controls to lead NPI, assembly, calibration, testing, validation, and industrialization for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device.
• This role owns the complete manufacturing engineering lifecycle for surgeon input device assemblies, including precision mechanical subassemblies, multi-degree-of-freedom links and joints, motors, encoders, sensors, cable- and gear-driven elements, and integrated electronics. Assembly precision and calibration directly affect input fidelity, surgeon input accuracy, friction, force response, reliability, and the surgeon’s control of instruments and endoscopes.
• The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical intuition with rigorous process engineering discipline, working knowledge of regulated medical-device manufacturing requirements, and hands‑on expertise in precision assembly, bonding, fastening, encoder integration, cable, belt, or gear‑drive setup, motion testing, calibration, and verification of surgical‑grade haptic mechanisms at scale.
• This role demands someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, takes proactive ownership of complex technical challenges, and can rapidly troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues that impact product launches. You’ll be instrumental in translating design intent into scalable manufacturing processes for next‑generation surgical robotics platforms.

Why This Role Matters

• You’ll be instrumental in bringing the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device from design intent to reliable production. The device must capture and convey precise surgeon hand movements while maintaining controlled friction, repeatable performance, dependable sensing, and ergonomic performance across its full workspace. This role offers the opportunity to shape manufacturing strategy early, prevent costly launch delays, and establish robust processes that scale while meeting the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and own assembly processes for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device and its major precision mechanical subassemblies, links and joints, motors, encoders, sensors, and integrated electronics.
• Develop assembly sequence logic that controls system error, friction, preload, transmission tension or engagement, encoder alignment, and cumulative variation across the device workspace.
• Define and validate datum schemes, fixturing strategies, and measurement methods that maintain consistent reference frames from component‑level assembly through full device integration.
• Author and release manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical assemblies, including MPIs, travelers, eDHR workflows, process maps, and inspection criteria.
• Define assembly and inspection processes for integrated electromechanical assemblies incorporating bearings, shafts, belts, cables, springs, seals, shims, adhesives, lubricants, fasteners, PCAs, harnesses, and precision‑machined structures.
• Determine component‑, subassembly‑, and device‑level metrology, instrumentation, and test requirements for assembly reliability and verification.
• Define and implement precision assembly equipment and fixtures designed for scalable industrialization, such as fastening systems, micro‑torque tools, press‑fit equipment, bonding and dispensing systems, and alignment fixtures.
• Develop and improve the mechanical processes and inputs that influence calibration and test outcomes, including assembly setup, alignment, preload, friction, and other mechanical parameters used in system calibration, performance testing, burn‑in, and functional verification.
• Use SPC, capability analysis, yield data, and issue Pareto analysis to detect drift, prioritize root‑cause investigations, and improve first‑pass yield and cycle time.
• Develop and mature manufacturing processes from prototype and pilot builds through validated, repeatable, and scalable production.
• Develop project plans and execute process development, equipment, documentation, and validation deliverables through implementation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electromechanical, sensing, calibration, and test failures in partnership with R&D, Test Engineering, Quality, Operations, and suppliers.
• Lead manufacturing change control, configuration updates, and production release activities in partnership with Engineering, Quality, and Operations.
• Monitor, coach, and mentor junior engineers and technicians on precision assembly, calibration, validation, and manufacturing best practices.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Establish strong working relationships with R&D, Development Engineering, Operations Process Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Production to design, develop, test, document, and implement processes, tooling, and fixtures.
• Partner with Quality to proactively address and resolve nonconformances before they affect production.
• Identify process requirements, advise operations management, and implement equipment and fixtures for process development and manufacturing.
• Lead cross‑functional technical reviews, communicate risks and tradeoffs, and drive timely decisions from development through production implementation.
• Provide technical coaching and feedback to engineers and technicians on process development, problem solving, validation, and manufacturing best practices.
• Maintain attention to detail while moving with urgency and ensuring critical actions are completed.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Precision Engineering, or related field.

Required Experience

• 8-10 years of manufacturing or assembly engineering experience, with a minimum of 5 years supporting precision electromechanical mechanisms, haptic devices, robotic controls, medical capital equipment, or comparable high‑reliability systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in precision mechanism assembly, including bearing preload, cable‑, belt‑, or gear‑driven mechanisms, encoder and sensor integration, motor assemblies, alignment, bonding, and controlled lubrication.
• Strong manufacturing engineering background — BOM structure, process documentation (MPI, DHR, MES), and PFMEA.
• Medical device experience with a proven track record in NPI environments.
• Electromechanical Systems: Extensive troubleshooting capability across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation domains.
• CAD Proficiency: Expert‑level skills in CAD design (SolidWorks preferred), ASME Y14.5 GD&T, and 3D tolerance stack‑up analysis.
• Strong statistical proficiency — SPC, Cpk, DOE, Minitab, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing end‑to‑end manufacturing processes for precision electromechanical assemblies, including process flows, tooling, fixtures, measurement strategies, assembly equipment, documentation, and process controls.
• Proven experience maturing manufacturing processes from prototype or pilot builds through validation, launch, and scalable production.
• Experience planning and executing cross‑functional process development, equipment, documentation, and validation deliverables.
• Quality Systems: Over 3 years in J&J (or equivalent regulated environment), fully trained and proficient in J&J systems, SOPs, and processes.
• Skills:
• Systems‑level thinking that connects component and assembly precision to full‑device system accuracy, friction, calibration performance, input fidelity, reliability, and surgeon experience.
• Exceptional technical writing capability for regulatory‑grade process documentation.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive alignment across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations without direct authority.
• Passion for precision and defect prevention in a life‑critical product environment.
• Deep curiosity about mechanism design and a hands‑on instinct for understanding how products are built and how they fail.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into clear manufacturing plans, align cross‑functional stakeholders, and communicate risks, decisions, and implementation status.
• Commitment to building processes that are capable today and robust and scalable as production volumes grow.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, or Precision Engineering.
• Direct experience with surgical robotics, haptic interfaces, force‑feedback devices, teleoperation controls, or surgeon‑facing input mechanisms.
• Certification: Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience with precision calibration and test systems for multi‑axis electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience with system calibration, encoder calibration, friction characterization, parameter testing, and burn‑in of robotic or haptic mechanisms.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, real‑time motion control, motor drives, and sensor communication architectures.
• Experience with micro‑assembly, magnification‑assisted assembly, precision bonding and dispensing, bearing installation, and cable, belt, or gear‑drive setup.
• Experience applying SPC, capability analysis, DOE, and structured root‑cause analysis to improve yield, friction performance, calibration results, and cycle time.
• Experience with MES systems and PLM tools in regulated industries.

Other: Cultural Fit – Non‑Negotiable Attributes

• Sense of Urgency: Consistently operates with speed and purpose. Responds quickly to issues and follows through promptly.
• Proactive Ownership: Takes full accountability for outcomes. Identifies and solves problems before they escalate.
• Transparent Communication: Direct, honest communicator. Shares concerns and challenges openly.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy without losing sight of the bigger picture or momentum.
• High Drive: Self‑motivated with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Comfortable in demanding environments.

Working Style

• Proven ability to work in a collaborative, cross‑functional environment while maintaining individual accountability.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple parallel NPI programs.
• Excellent troubleshooting mindset — persistent in finding root causes.
• Comfortable challenging design decisions when manufacturing concerns arise.
• Thrives in ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities.

Other

• Attendance Fully Onsite
• This role will require commuting to our Milpitas Site, 25%
• Travel requirements: 10%

Johnson & J&N 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 & J&N 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.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$109,000.00 to $154,280.00

Additional Description For Pay Transparency

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are 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. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are 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. Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation –120 hours per calendar year Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member Caregiver Leave – 10 days Volunteer Leave – 4 days Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours Additional information can be found through the link below. https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits