Sr. Principal R&D Laser Engineer - Shockwave Medical

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 Med Tech, 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.

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Job Function: R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function: Biomedical Engineering

Job Category: Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations: Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description: Johnson & Johnson is hiring for a Sr. Principal R&D Laser Engineer – Shockwave Medical to join our team located in Santa Clara, CA.

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Ready to join a team that’s pioneering the development and commercialization of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) to treat complex calcified cardiovascular disease. Our Shockwave Medical portfolio aims to establish a new standard of care for medical device treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through its differentiated and proprietary local delivery of sonic pressure waves for the treatment of calcified plaque.

The Sr. Principal R&D Laser Engineer specializes in the development and testing of advanced laser systems and optical components. This role applies deep technical expertise to the creation of innovative laser‑based products for the treatment of peripheral, coronary, and heart valve diseases.

• Develop and evaluate advanced medical laser systems and optical components in compliance with the company’s Design Control procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead new product development efforts and perform root‑cause analysis to resolve technical issues.
• Identify, manage, and qualify suppliers of key optical and laser components.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert (SME) on cross‑functional product development teams, supporting projects from concept through transfer to the PDP team.
• Maintain current knowledge of competitive technologies, as well as medical, technical, and biomedical advancements relevant to the company’s products.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation in accordance with the company’s quality system.
• Strengthen the company’s intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Support company goals, objectives, policies, procedures, Quality Systems, and FDA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with laser safety standards and medical device quality requirements.
• Mentor and train other engineers and technicians
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Optical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Biomedical Engineering.
• 15+ years’ engineering experience in laser system design, development, and integration in the medical device industry.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, optical component selection, and optical testing.
• Deep knowledge of medical laser technologies, including gas, solid‑state, semiconductor, and fiber lasers.
• Experience with catheter development is a plus.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for optical, electrical, and thermal system issues.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to patents, intellectual property strategy, or advanced research initiatives.
• Effective communication skills, written and verbal, with all levels of management and organizations.
• Strong understanding of engineering materials, component selection, and design for reliability and manufacturability.
• Operate independently and adaptability to changing requirements
• Ability to work in a…