Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Systems

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Job Function

R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function

R&D Mechanical Engineering

Job Category

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations

Fremont, California, United States of America, Los Gatos, California, United States of America, Mountain View, California, United States of America, Oakland, California, United States, Redwood City, California, United States of America, San Francisco, California, United States of America, San Jose, California, United States of America, Santa Clara, California, United States of America, Santa Rosa, California, United States of America, South San Francisco, California, United States of America, Walnut Creek, California, United States

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. Building upon a deep understanding of patient and physician needs, 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.

You

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 ( [email protected] ) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills

Preferred Skills

Analytical Reasoning, Auto-CAD Design, Coaching, Design Thinking, Execution Focus, Mechanical Engineering, Problem Solving, Product Reliability, Project Management Methodology (PMM), Quality Control Testing, Research and Development, SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Scientific Rigor, Technical Credibility, Technical Writing, Technologically Savvy, Validation Testing