Staff Engineer, Controls & Automation- Med Tech Surgery

Staff Engineer, Controls & Automation
- Med Tech Surgery

Company: Johnson & Johnson

Location: Blue Ash, Cincinnati, OH (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

About Johnson & Johnson – Med Tech Surgery

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Within our Med Tech Surgery organization, we combine biology and technology to create smarter, less invasive surgical solutions that help surgeons treat conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Our work directly impacts patients around the world.

We are seeking a Staff Engineer, Controls & Automation to serve as a technical leader supporting the design, development, and deployment of automated manufacturing lines for new surgical products. This role is part of our R&D Product Development organization and plays a critical role in bringing advanced medical devices to market.

You will work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, IT, and external equipment vendors to design and launch highly automated, compliant, and reliable production systems.

• Lead controls and automation strategy from early concept through full production launch (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Partner with equipment vendors to deliver robust solutions using:
  • HMIs
  • MES / SCADA systems
• Define automation requirements, specifications, and validation plans for complete manufacturing lines
• Support and guide teams through validation, TMV, and GR&R activities
• Deliver automated lines with minimal downtime, scrap, and quality risk
• Participate in cross-functional design reviews across lab, pilot, and full-scale manufacturing
• Design, troubleshoot, and validate GxP-compliant automated equipment
• Develop and maintain documentation aligned with QMS and regulatory standards
• Lead or support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and production ramp-up
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Manufacturing, IT, and external suppliers

• Bachelor’s degree required (Advanced degree strongly preferred) in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
• 8+ years of controls and automation engineering experience

(6+ years with an advanced degree)

• Proven experience launching automated manufacturing lines
• Strong background in:
  • PLC/HMI programming
  • Control systems
  • Electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Experience in medical devices, pharma, or other GxP-regulated industries
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills

• Servo motion control and machine safety systems

• Cognex and/or Keyence vision systems
• Inspection, measurement, and defect detection
• PLC and SCADA integration

• Robotic assembly, handling, or inspection

• Industrial Ethernet/IP, Profinet
• Secure production network design and integration

• Automation or controls certifications a plus

• Work on life-saving surgical technologies
• Influence how advanced medical devices are manufactured
• Partner with passionate, mission-driven teams
• Build next-generation automated factories in Med Tech