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Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Systems

Johnson & Johnson MedTech, South San Francisco, CA, United States


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.

Job Details

Job Function:

R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:

R&D Mechanical Engineering

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Fremont, California; Los Gatos, California; Mountain View, California; Oakland, California; Redwood City, California; San Francisco, California; San Jose, California; Santa Clara, California; Santa Rosa, California; South San Francisco, California; Walnut Creek, California

Job Description
The Robotics and Digital Solutions (RAD) group, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is recruiting for a

Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Systems

for the Ottava Team. This is a hybrid position located in Santa Clara, CA.

What We Do
The Ottava R&D team envisions a future for robotic intervention that is targeted, minimally invasive, and personalized. We are developing a platform for the next evolution of soft-tissue robotic care.

Who We Are
We are a team of mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, robotic controls, software, and clinical engineers who are passionate about improving patient care. The team includes a wide range of experience levels from junior engineers to industry experts. We follow an iterative design approach to product development that requires us to collaborate closely across clinical, capital hardware, and instruments & accessories teams. We value autonomy and empower each other to take action while remaining a supportive and closely knit team. We take pride in our culture and are committed to building an environment that is inclusive and promotes diversity of thought through varied experiences and backgrounds.

Your Role
As a member of the Ottava R&D team you will join us on our journey to design and build one of the world's most advanced medical robotic platforms. You will work alongside all engineering functions to make significant contributions to the mechanical design of our capital hardware including (but not limited to) custom actuator design, structural design, and sensor development. This role offers a high degree of autonomy and opportunities for growth within the team as we progress towards realizing our vision.

Job Summary
We are seeking a Mechatronics Engineer to design, develop, and support electromechanical subsystems for a next-generation surgical robotic platform. This role will contribute across the full product lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, integration, verification, and support of regulated medical devices. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering, hands-on experience with mechatronic systems, and a passion for developing reliable, high‑performance hardware for use in the operating room. This position requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams including systems engineering, robotics and controls, quality, manufacturing, and regulatory.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop electromechanical subsystems for surgical robotic systems, including actuators, sensors, motorized mechanisms, and control hardware interfaces

Perform detailed mechanical design using CAD tools, including tolerance analysis and design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)

Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into functional mechatronic assemblies

Develop and execute verification and validation (V&V) test plans for hardware components and subsystems

Support prototype build, integration, debugging, and failure analysis efforts

Author and maintain technical documentation in accordance with medical device quality system requirements (e.g., design inputs/outputs, test reports)

Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain to support transfer to production and resolve production issues

Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations

Ensure designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and reliability requirements for surgical use

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline

Hands‑on experience with mechatronic systems combining mechanical, electrical, and control elements

Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)

Experience working with electromechanical components such as motors, encoders, sensors, and drivers

Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot hardware systems

Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, fast‑paced product development teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in medical devices, robotics, or other regulated industries

Familiarity with product development under a quality management system (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA design controls)

Experience with system integration, hardware testing, or reliability testing

Exposure to controls, motion systems, or robotics kinematics

Experience supporting products through design transfer and early manufacturing

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline (preferred but not required)

Work Environment

Hands‑on engineering role involving lab work, prototype builds, and hardware testing

Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams developing complex robotic systems

Office and lab‑based work environment

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 and 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, please email the Employee Health Support Center or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

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