Senior Manager, Industrial Design

Johnson & Johnson•Santa Clara, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Robotics and Digital solutions (RAD) group, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is recruiting for a Senior Manager, Industrial Design for the Robotics and Digital R&D Team. This position is located in Santa Clara, CA. At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we are building the future of robotic surgery and healthcare through innovation and technical excellence. Our goal is to develop advanced robotic platforms that are precise, reliable, and accessible. Our team focuses on creating solutions that empower surgeons and improve patient outcomes worldwide. Within RAD R&D we are a team of clinical, electrical, firmware, mechanical, mechatronics, robotic controls, systems and software 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, collaborative approach to product development, working across clinical, instrument, accessories, and system teams. We prioritize autonomy, foster a culture of learning, and value diversity of thought and background. Our environment is inclusive, supportive, and driven by a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare. Embedded within the R&D organization, you will directly manage 5-6 designers as we continue shaping Ottava—Johnson & Johnson’s new surgical robotic system—drive ongoing improvements to the Monarch platform and explore the future of medical robotics on various strategic R&D projects. Partnering closely with Engineering and Marketing, you will represent Industrial Design and influence programs spanning robotic hardware, surgical instruments, and accessories. As a passionate advocate for design and user experience, you will help shape today’s work and the long‑term design direction. This role is ideal for an experienced design leader who is committed about elevating design and delivering delightful user experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Human-Centered Design, Product Design, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
10+ years of experience in industrial design, successfully taking complex products from concept through commercialization.
Demonstrated experience leading products through the full development lifecycle, from concept exploration to commercialization and product launch.
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing designers across multiple career stages while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team environment.
Strong ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, research, regulatory, and product management.
Proven success leading multiple complex projects simultaneously while balancing user needs, technical feasibility, business goals, and timelines.
Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and align teams around a shared design vision.
Passion for user-centered design, innovation, and creating experiences that improve outcomes for customers, patients, and healthcare professionals.

Nice To Haves

Industrial Design
Product Development Lifecycle
Product Launches
Analytical Reasoning
Concept Testing
Customer Intelligence
Developing Others
Human Factor Engineering
Inclusive Leadership
Industry Analysis
Leadership
Operations Management
Performance Measurement
Product Design
Product Portfolio Management
Product Strategies
Research and Development
Resource Allocation
Risk Management
SAP Product Lifecycle Management
Team Management

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of industrial designers by providing strategic direction, mentorship, and guidance to cultivate a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners in engineering, marketing, and clinical departments to achieve cohesive and successful product outcomes.
Oversee project planning from concept through launch, ensuring proper management of schedules, budgets, resourcing, dependencies, and requirements.
Promote design excellence both within the organization and externally.
Partner with senior leadership to define and advocate for a long-term user experience vision, strategy, and roadmaps.
Work closely with the UX/UI manager to coordinate initiatives that span digital and hardware design, thereby delivering unified user experiences.
Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and ongoing improvement within the industrial design team.