Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Systems

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • South San Francisco, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Robotics and Digital solutions (RAD) group, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Systems for the Ottava Team. This is a hybrid position located in Santa Clara, CA. 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. 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. As a member of the Ottava R&D team you will join us on our journey to design and build one of the world's most advanced medical robotic platforms. You will work alongside all engineering functions to make significant contributions to the mechanical design of our capital hardware including (but not limited to) custom actuator design, structural design, and sensor development. This role offers a high degree of autonomy and opportunities for growth within the team as we progress towards realizing our vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline
• Hands‑on experience with mechatronic systems combining mechanical, electrical, and control elements
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)
• Experience working with electromechanical components such as motors, encoders, sensors, and drivers
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot hardware systems
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, fast‑paced product development teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in medical devices, robotics, or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with product development under a quality management system (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA design controls)
• Experience with system integration, hardware testing, or reliability testing
• Exposure to controls, motion systems, or robotics kinematics
• Experience supporting products through design transfer and early manufacturing
• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline (preferred but not required)

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electromechanical subsystems for surgical robotic systems, including actuators, sensors, motorized mechanisms, and control hardware interfaces
• Perform detailed mechanical design using CAD tools, including tolerance analysis and design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into functional mechatronic assemblies
• Develop and execute verification and validation (V&V) test plans for hardware components and subsystems
• Support prototype build, integration, debugging, and failure analysis efforts
• Author and maintain technical documentation in accordance with medical device quality system requirements (e.g., design inputs/outputs, test reports)
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain to support transfer to production and resolve production issues
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations
• Ensure designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and reliability requirements for surgical use

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees