Principal Engineer - Smart Manufacturing & Automation

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Surgery is currently recruiting for a Principal Engineer - Smart Manufacturing & Automation to join the Global Engineering & Technology team within Wound Closure & Healing Global Technical Operations. Ethicon, part of the Johnson & Johnson MedTech Surgery business, is the worldwide leader in wound closure devices with products that help improve patient outcomes, optimize healing, and enhance operating room efficiency.

About the role

The Principal Engineer - Smart Manufacturing & Automation will act as the technical expert and drive platform strategy for controls and automation, AI-enabled vision systems, machine learning, and Industry 4.0 initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, India, and China. This role may be based at a WCH manufacturing site or the Raritan, NJ home office and will involve approximately 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the smart manufacturing strategy for the WCH Supply Chain, ensuring alignment with business and digital program objectives.
• Develop and maintain roadmap for integration of cutting-edge automation and control system technologies to drive improvements to manufacturing efficiency, cost, reliability, and quality.
• Serve as business product manager (BPM) for WCH MES applications, providing guidance on global standards for system functionality and features.
• Work collaboratively across manufacturing sites and functions to ensure alignment, benchmarking, and harmonization of platform initiatives.
• Provide technology insights for business planning, cultivate external partnerships, and foster internal collaboration across all levels.
• Mentor and develop digital/automation team members through coaching and career planning.
• Follow regulatory and company guidelines related to Quality, Compliance, EH&S, and Financial reporting.

Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science field is required. Advanced degree (MS or MBA) is preferable.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in a technical role that includes development of short- and long-term business strategies.
• Direct experience in development of business cases and funding/resource requests.
• Depth of knowledge in conventional and emerging technologies related to industrial automation, control systems, industrial networking, vision systems, robotics, servomotors, IIoT, data architectures, machine learning, AI/analytics, and OT cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 frameworks and the application of smart manufacturing technologies.
• Proven leadership, stakeholder communication, change management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse teams.

Skills

• Required: Experience with common programming languages (e.g., Rockwell/Siemens PLC and HMI, TP, SQL, Python, C++).
• Preferred certifications: Six Sigma/Process Excellence and/or Project Management (PMP/FPX).
• Preferred skills: Benchmarking, Coaching, Critical Thinking, Facility Management, Leading Change, Lean Manufacturing Principles, Lean Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Flow Management, Organizing, Performance Measurement, Predictive Maintenance, Product Design, Program Management, Project Schedule, Safety-Oriented, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Strategic Thinking.

Pay

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $102,000.00 - $177,100.00.