Sr Director Laser and Software

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Milpitas, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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 As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Sr Director Laser and Software based in Milpitas, CA, reporting to the VP, Research & Development – Equipment. This leader plays a critical role in translating enterprise R&D strategy into focused platform roadmaps and impactful product pipelines.
The Senior Director, Research & Development – Laser Platforms is a senior technical and people leader responsible for the strategy, development, and execution of laser-based technology platforms supporting the Cataract and Refractive portfolios. This role serves as the primary R&D owner for laser systems and enabling technologies, spanning hardware, opto-mechanical design, software, and system integration. The Senior Director is accountable for advancing differentiated laser platforms that enable scalable product development, improved clinical outcomes, and compelling surgeon experiences, while driving disciplined execution across complex, multi-year development programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• Deep technical background in laser-based systems or related complex electromechanical platforms strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive R&D experience, including leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading development of complex platforms or products from concept through development, regulatory approval, and launch.
• Experience with capital equipment, laser platforms, and/or software enabled medical devices strongly preferred.
• Strong technical judgment combined with business acumen and the ability to align platform innovation to commercial and clinical needs.
• Proven ability to influence across functions and operate effectively within a matrixed, global organization.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Laser Platform Strategy & Innovation Leadership Lead the R&D strategy for laser‑based technology platforms aligned to business priorities, clinical needs, and long‑term portfolio vision. Drive innovation across core laser systems, next‑generation platforms, and enabling technologies, balancing incremental evolution with breakthrough opportunities. Partner with the VP, R&D and cross‑functional leaders to shape platform roadmaps that support current and future product portfolios.
• Pipeline & Program Leadership Own and advance one or more laser platform pipelines, ensuring effective prioritization, technical rigor, and speed of execution. Translate unmet customer, surgeon, and patient needs into differentiated laser‑enabled solutions. Ensure strong program governance, technical decision‑making, and risk management across development efforts.
• Cross‑Functional Execution Collaborate closely with Global Strategic Marketing, Clinical, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Digital teams to deliver integrated, end‑to‑end solutions. Partner with software, systems, and digital teams to ensure cohesive platform architectures and seamless system integration. Support successful regulatory submissions and global product launches.
• Technical Leadership & Problem Solving Serve as a recognized technical authority in laser systems and platforms, guiding complex technical problem solving and architectural decisions. Establish best practices across laser development, system design, and platform reuse to increase efficiency and scalability. Leverage external insights, partnerships, and technology scouting to continuously elevate platform capability.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building Lead and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary R&D teams across laser, optical, mechanical, software, and systems disciplines. Build organizational capability in platform thinking, systems integration, and rigorous development execution. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning while developing future technical and people leaders.

What This Job Offers

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