Digital Manufacturing, Tech Lead: Surgical Robotics - OTTAVA

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking an innovative Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead to spearhead the design, implementation, and optimization of our next‑generation smart factory capabilities in support of the OTTAVA Surgical Robotic Platform.

• Defining and leading the digital manufacturing technology strategy aligned with smart factory, Industry 4.0, and business objectives.
• Define measurable KPIs and track program impact, ensuring scalability across technical programs.
• Serve as the principal technical assessor for digital manufacturing systems, including MES, Cloud platform, digital twins, advanced process control, Industry IoT, and manufacturing data platforms.
• Responsible for reusable architecture, standards, and technology roadmap implementations.
• Drive the architecture, design, and deployment of connected manufacturing solutions that integrate shop‑floor systems (equipment, PLCs) with enterprise platforms (ERP, PLM, analytics, cloud, WMS).
• Lead and mentor a core team of engineers, providing technical direction, design reviews, and best‑practice guidance.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering, operation, quality, J&J Technology, cybersecurity, and other supply chain teams to deliver end‑to‑end, compliant digital solutions.
• Collaborate with J&J Technology team on data governance, cybersecurity, and system reliability standards for manufacturing systems in a Medical Device regulated environment.
• Identify and pilot emerging technologies (AI/ML, agentic AI, advanced analytics, digital twins, edge computing) to improve yield, productivity, quality, and time‑to‑market.
• Manage partners and system integrator relationships, including technical evaluations, solution selection, and delivery oversight.
• Stay ahead of emerging Industry 4.0 trends and recommend adoption where strategic advantage can be gained.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s or PhD preferred in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, Automation, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing systems, automation, or digital manufacturing, with senior technical leadership experience in Industry 4.0 environments.
• Deep hands‑on expertise with MES platforms, manufacturing data architectures, IIoT integrations, and shop‑floor‑to‑cloud connectivity.
• Demonstrated skill in applying Industry 4.0 methodologies, including IIoT, connected assets, digital twins, advanced analytics, and edge/cloud computing in manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of smart factory concepts, digital twins, advanced process control, and data‑driven manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross‑functional technical programs and influence without direct authority.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including executives.
• Skilled in evaluating emerging technologies, vendors, and system integrators, and leading solution selection and implementation.
• Problem‑solving & systems thinking: comfort operating in ambiguous, evolving environments while driving clarity and technical direction.
• Experience managing technical delivery across pilots, scale‑up, and global deployment.
• Effective and proactive written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for mentoring engineers and building high‑performing, technically excellent teams.

Preferred:

• Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., medical devices, pharma, or other highly regulated industries) highly preferred.
• Creative, motivated, proactive, and focused on achieving results.
• Sound analytical reasoning and problem‑solving skills.
• Capability to resolve challenges, devise and implement strategies to validate crucial technological principles.

• May require up to 10% of domestic and/or international travel.

$ to $

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via , internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.