Sr Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer/Surgical Robotics-OTTAVA

Johnson & Johnson MedTech · Santa Clara, CA

Level: Senior
Team: Manufacturing
Base pay: $109k–$154k
Travel: 10%
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 10+ years
Certification: Black Belt preferred
Industry: Medical devices
Posted: Yesterday

The role in 30 seconds

A senior manufacturing role at Johnson & Johnson MedTech (medical devices) in Santa Clara, CA. Design and own assembly processes for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device and its major precision mechanical subassemblies, links and joints, motors, encoders, sensors, and integrated electronics.

They ask for: 10+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
Tools it names: Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Robotics
Base pay: $109k–$154k
Day to day: about 10% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

Your game plan for this job

Most people just hit Apply. Do these first and you show up with someone on the inside.

1
Find 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at this site
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply most.
2
Send a short, curious note
Ask about the work, not for a referral. We write it for you.
3
Have a 15-minute chat
Good questions for this role:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
4
Apply, ideally with a referral
Ask if they'd refer you or introduce you to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link and tell them the day you apply.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

About the role

requirements

to deliver robust and scalable production processes for this critical electromechanical subsystem.

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of surgery? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how we heal? Our Surgery team will give you the chance to deliver surgical technologies and solutions to surgeons and healthcare professionals around the world. Your contributions will help effectively treat some of the world’s most prevalent conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Patients are waiting.

Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/medtech

Key Responsibilities

◆Design and own assembly processes for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device and its major precision mechanical subassemblies, links and joints, motors, encoders, sensors, and integrated electronics.
◆Develop assembly sequence logic that controls system error, friction, preload, transmission tension or engagement, encoder alignment, and cumulative variation across the device workspace.
◆Define and validate datum schemes, fixturing strate

Show full description ↓

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 Function

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function

Manufacturing Engineering

Job Category

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description

Johnson & Johnson Med Tech, a member of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies, is recruiting for a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Santa Clara, CA!

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 https://www.jnj.com/ (https://www.jnj.com/

About Johnson & Johnson MedTech

J&J Robotics was established in 2020 with the integration of Auris Health, Verb Surgical, C-SATS, and Ethicon. It comprises three key med-tech platforms: Surgical Robotics (OTTAVA™), Flexible Robotics (MONARCH®), and Digital Solutions. Join our collaborative, rapidly growing team where you'll create breakthrough medical technologies that unite multiple subject areas to build a connected digital ecosystem that advances medical professionals' skills and improves patient outcomes.

In this role, you will lead manufacturing engineering for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device, the surgeon-facing control subsystem attached to the Physician Console that captures precise hand inputs used to remotely control surgical instruments and endoscopes. You will integrate mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, assembly, calibration, and test

Purpose

•We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer with drive and expertise in precision electromechanical devices and multi-axis controls to lead NPI, assembly, calibration, testing, validation, and industrialization for the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device.
•This role owns the complete manufacturing engineering lifecycle for surgeon input device assemblies, including precision mechanical subassemblies, multi-degree-of-freedom links and joints, motors, encoders, sensors, cable- and gear-driven elements, and integrated electronics. Assembly precision and calibration directly affect input fidelity, surgeon input accuracy, friction, force response, reliability, and the surgeon’s control of instruments and endoscopes.
•The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical intuition with rigorous process engineering discipline, working knowledge of regulated medical-device manufacturing requirements, and hands-on expertise in precision assembly, bonding, fastening, encoder integration, cable, belt, or gear-drive setup, motion testing, calibration, and verification of surgical-grade haptic mechanisms at scale.
•This role demands someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes proactive ownership of complex technical challenges, and can rapidly troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues that impact product launches. You’ll be instrumental in translating design intent into scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation surgical robotics platforms.

Why This Role Matters

•You’ll be instrumental in bringing the OTTAVA™ surgeon input device from design intent to reliable production. The device must capture and convey precise surgeon hand movements while maintaining controlled friction, repeatable performance, dependable sensing, and ergonomic performance across its full workspace. This role offers the opportunity to shape manufacturing strategy early, prevent costly launch delays, and establish robust processes that scale while meeting the highest quality standards.