Sr Eng Manu Eng
About The Position
Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s J&J Robotics team is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to lead new product introduction, process development, and industrialization for advanced robotic medical device systems, including the OTTAVA™ surgical robotics platform. The role owns the manufacturing engineering lifecycle for robotic arm kinematic chains, multi-degree-of-freedom joint assemblies, wrist mechanisms, and instrument drive units. It translates complex design requirements into reliable, precise, scalable production processes while maintaining the quality and regulatory rigor needed for surgical-grade products. The engineer will develop, validate, and scale assembly processes, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing controls. The work includes precision assembly and metrology, process validation, troubleshooting, and manufacturing implementation. Assembly precision is directly connected to robotic accuracy, patient safety, and clinical outcomes. The role collaborates with R&D, Development Engineering, Operations Process Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Production, and provides technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians. It requires hands-on ownership, strong cross-functional influence, and the ability to resolve complex manufacturing issues with urgency. The position may require up to 10% domestic and/or international travel to other locations and sites.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and/or university degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
- At least four years of manufacturing or assembly engineering experience, including significant experience with surgical robotic arms or comparable precision electromechanical capital equipment.
- Demonstrated expertise in precision joint assembly, including bearing preload, harmonic drives, cable-driven mechanisms, and encoder integration.
- Manufacturing engineering experience with BOM structures, process documentation (MPI, DHR, and MES), and PFMEA.
- Strong troubleshooting capability across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation domains in electromechanical systems.
- Expert-level CAD skills; SolidWorks is preferred.
- Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T and 3D tolerance stack-up analysis.
- Strong statistical proficiency in SPC, Cpk, DOE, and Minitab or equivalent tools.
- More than three years of experience at J&J or in an equivalent regulated environment, with demonstrated proficiency in applicable quality systems, SOPs, and processes.
- Ability to connect joint-level assembly precision to full-arm and robotic accuracy.
- Strong technical writing capability for regulatory-grade process documentation.
- Ability to drive alignment across R&D, quality, regulatory, and operations without direct authority.
- Hands-on understanding of mechanism design, manufacturing, and failure modes.
- Commitment to precision, zero-defect manufacturing, and developing robust, scalable processes.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically and/or internationally to other locations and sites.
Nice To Haves
- A master’s degree.
- Medical device industry experience; a proven track record in NPI environments is highly valued.
- Experience with surgical robotics platforms.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
- Direct experience with surgical robotic platforms.
- Experience with ISO 9283 manipulator performance evaluation and robotic arm kinematic calibration.
- Familiarity with EtherCAT, CAN bus, or real-time motion control communication architectures.
- Experience with micro-assembly processes and magnification-assisted assembly techniques.
- Knowledge of carbon fiber composite structural assembly and inspection.
- Experience with MES systems and PLM tools in regulated industries.
Responsibilities
- Design and own assembly processes for multi-axis robotic arm structures.
- Develop assembly sequence logic to control cumulative kinematic error and minimize positional error at the tool center point (TCP).
- Define and validate datum schemes and fixturing strategies that maintain consistent reference frames from individual joint builds through full-arm integration.
- Author assembly processes for complex electromechanical assemblies.
- Define assembly and inspection processes for link structures, including shim and seal installation, bonding, and inspection acceptance criteria.
- Determine joint- and arm-level metrology and instrumentation requirements for assembly reliability and verification.
- Define and implement precision fastening systems, including smart torque drivers and micro-torque tools.
- Define, source, and implement precision equipment, fixtures, and tools for press-fit, bearing, and other mechanical interference assemblies.
- Define, source, and implement precision bonding, potting, lubrication, and dispensing systems.
- Define, source, and implement precision alignment and kinematic assembly fixtures.
- Develop project plans and execute them through implementation.
- Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electromechanical system issues.
- Coach and mentor junior engineers and technicians on manufacturing best practices.
- Build 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 needed for process development and manufacturing.
- Maintain attention to detail and urgency so critical actions are completed.
Benefits
- Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)), subject to plan terms.
- Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year, subject to policy and hire date.
- Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year, with different stated allowances for Colorado and Washington residents.
- 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, or foster care of a child.
- Bereavement Leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member and 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year.
- Caregiver Leave: 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period.
- Volunteer Leave: 32 hours per calendar year.
- Military Spouse Time-Off: 80 hours per calendar year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
