Apply on Employer Site

Johnson & Johnson · 1 month ago

Senior Automation/Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

4+ years exp

Johnson & Johnson is a leader in healthcare innovation, committed to transforming autologous CAR-T cell-therapy manufacturing through pioneering automation. The Senior Automation/Robotics Engineer will lead the design, integration, and lifecycle management of automated systems, ensuring compliance and driving collaboration across various departments.

Hospital & Health Care

Comp. & Benefits

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Lead the concept, design, configuration, and deployment of automated systems and robotic modules for CAR-T manufacturing and support system workflows (e.g., kitting, inspection, tracking, transport, cell isolation, expansion, formulation, cryopreservation, and waste management) under GMP

Define, review, and approve system architectures, user requirements, and design documentation (URS, PFD, FDS, DHF, traceability matrices)

Supervise building and testing functional prototypes to assess feasibility and performance

Handle FAT/SAT and PPQ protocols for system qualification and validation, ensuring readiness for audits and regulatory inspections

Act as primary system owner for multiple automated platforms

Apply advanced knowledge to resolve complex issues proactively and scout new technologies and digital tools

Lead root-cause analysis and fixing across mechanical, software, vision, and control systems

Drive continuous improvement initiatives that advance system reliability, safety, and efficiency

Collaborate with external vendors and integrators to evaluate, challenge, and implement the latest technologies or upgrades

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

Supervise operational support: monitor equipment performance, schedule preventive maintenance, and resolve reliability issues

Implement digital tools for predictive maintenance and performance analytics

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

Prepare for compliance activities, audits, and regulatory inspections with minimal supervision

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

Lead technology roadmap initiatives; handle automation subprojects including scope, timelines, and vendor coordination

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

Support technology transfer to other internal sites

Mentor and coach junior engineers; review technical results and provide guidance on procedures

Deliver operator training sessions, workshops, and competency assessments

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the automation team

Qualification

Robotics platformsAutomated systemsControl systemsGMP complianceComputer visionAI/ML modelsIndustry 4.0 technologiesPythonTechnical documentationInnovationLeadership skillsProblem solvingRelationship buildingCritical thinking

Required

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Automation, or Robotics Engineering or related technical field preferred with 4-6 years of overall experience

Minimum of 3 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

Handling or coordinating complex technical projects, including timelines, deliverables, planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination

Supervising external vendors/integrators for installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting

Managing outsourced technical projects, 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

Proven ability to solve complex systems and contribute to technical innovation

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

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 limited supervision, lead portions of projects, and reviews work of others

Preferred

Experience in a pharmaceutical or GMP-regulated manufacturing environment

Technical knowledge of 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

Company

Johnson & Johnson

Glassdoor4.2

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything.

Founded in 1886

New Brunswick, NJ, US

10001+ employees

http://www.jnj.com

H1B Sponsorship

Johnson & Johnson has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (48)

2024 (56)

2023 (58)

2022 (59)

2021 (44)

2020 (27)