Principal Automation/Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy

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

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About Innovative Medicine

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine

We are searching for the best talent for the best Principal Automation/Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy to be in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

We are on a mission to transform autologous CAR-T cell-therapy manufacturing with pioneering automation. As a Principal Automation/Robotics Engineer, you will work under minimal supervision and lead portions of programs, projects, and processes. You will provide training and guidance to technical staff and act as a recognized domain expert in automation and robotics. You will establish operational plans and implement products, processes, and standards that have measurable impact on business results. You will apply in-depth knowledge across multiple related fields to address complex problems and expand the application of automated solutions across development, manufacturing, and testing within Johnson & Johnson. You will shape technology strategy, drive enterprise-level innovation, and influence organizational standards while maintaining GMP compliance and operational excellence.

You will be responsible for:

Design & Deploy

• Lead concept, design, and deployment of sophisticated automated systems and robotic modules for CAR-T manufacturing and enterprise workflows (including development, testing, and manufacturing) under GMP.

• Author, define and approve system architectures, user requirements, and design documentation (URS, PFD, FDS, FMEA, DHF, traceability matrices).

• Initiate and be responsible for prototype development to assess feasibility and performance

• Own and lead qualification activities (FAT/SAT/PPQ) with strategic oversight for system qualification and validation, ensuring readiness for audits and regulatory inspections.

Solve & Improve

• Act as global system owner for multiple platforms.

• Apply in-depth knowledge to proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Resolve highly complex technical issues across mechanical, software, vision, and control systems.

• Select and direct external vendors and integrators to evaluate, challenge, and implement pioneering technologies or upgrades.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and enterprise-level technology upgrades that advance system reliability, safety, and efficiency.

• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and production continuity.

Maintain & Sustain

• Be responsible for operational support and compliance activities across multiple sites: monitor equipment performance, maintenance, repairs, and reliability issues.

• Implement predictive maintenance and advanced analytics tools to sustain performance.

• Ensure preparation and delivery of comprehensive documentation (SOPs, O&M manuals, reports).

• Lead compliance activities, audits, and regulatory inspections with minimal direction.

Optimize & Scale

• Lead optimization of multi-step production flows using advanced control systems, dynamic scheduling, and batch orchestration.

• Shape and lead technology roadmap and run strategic automation programs, ensuring scalability and standardization across global sites.

• Align automation strategies across QA, IT, OT, facilities, and manufacturing to ensure scalability and standardization.

• Champion adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, digital twins, and AI-driven process optimization.

• Lead technology transfers to other internal sites

Leadership & Training

• Design and provide training and guidance to technical staff and operators.

• Mentor and lead junior and senior engineers and influence multi-functional teams.

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Represent automation strategy in enterprise forums and governance bodies.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical, Automation, or Robotics Engineering or related technical field required with 6-8 years of overall experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience with robotics platforms, automated systems, and control systems, preferably in a regulated manufacturing environment.

• Proven grounding in engineering and computer science principles for designing automated and robotic components and mechanisms.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, able to tailor messaging from operators to senior management and external partners.

• Independent, self-motivated, and comfortable driving ambiguity in fast-paced and sophisticated environments to meet timelines with minimum supervision while maintaining a positive demeanor.

• Leading complex technical programs, including planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.

• Directing external vendors/integrators for installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

• Running outsourced technical projects and selecting and supervising external vendors/integrators, communication, and execution of key deliverables such as URS, FDS, FMEA, SAT, and FAT.

• Applied experience with computer vision (passive/active) and AI/ML models and agents.

• Recognized domain expertise in automation and robotics.

• Proven ability to solve complex system challenges and innovate processes and technologies.

• Demonstrated ability to author technical documents such as SOPs, technical validation protocols and training materials.

• Strong leadership skills with ability to mentor and influence multi-functional teams.

• Advanced knowledge of control systems, robotics, and digital tools.

• Ability to drive innovation and technology scouting for automation and digital transformation.

• Demonstrated success in leading risk assessments and mitigation planning for new technology deployments.

• Work under minimal direction, lead projects, and review work of others.

Preferred:

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or GMP -regulated manufacturing environment.

• Expertise in ISA S88/S95 systems, including Honeywell EBI, Emerson DeltaV, OSI Pi, Siemens PLCs, MES, SAP, and real-time data integration.

• Significant coding experience (e.g. Python, C++) and familiarity with Level 0/1 software.

• Deep understanding of IT/OT convergence, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics.

• Understanding of Industrial Automation Networks and Communication Protocols.

• Proven experience as system owner for multiple automated platforms.

• Knowledge of facility design (utility systems, HVAC, Grade C/D/CNC requirements).

• Experience implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and AI-driven optimization.

• Experience with simulation or digital -twin software.

• Experience with RFID technology.

• Humor

• This position will be based in the US (East Coast, Spring House) and requires on-site presence.

• Willingness to travel up to 30% during project phases and 20% during normal operations.

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 (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

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