Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead – Surgical Robotics

About the role

Johnson & Johnson is seeking an innovative Digital Manufacturing Tech Lead to drive the design, implementation and optimization of smart‑factory capabilities for the OTTAVA Surgical Robotic Platform. The role will shape technology strategy, lead engineering execution and champion Industry 4.0 transformation across the manufacturing footprint.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead the digital manufacturing technology strategy aligned with smart‑factory and business objectives, establishing measurable KPIs.
• Architect, design and deploy connected manufacturing solutions integrating shop‑floor systems (equipment, PLCs) with enterprise platforms such as ERP, PLM, analytics, cloud and WMS.
• Serve as principal technical assessor for MES, cloud platforms, digital twins, advanced process control and IIoT solutions, ensuring reusable architecture and standards.
• Lead and mentor a core engineering team, providing technical direction, design reviews and best‑practice guidance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, quality, cybersecurity and supply‑chain teams to deliver compliant, end‑to‑end digital solutions in a regulated medical‑device environment.
• Identify, pilot and evaluate emerging technologies (AI/ML, digital twins, edge computing) to improve yield, productivity and time‑to‑market.
• Manage partner and system‑integrator relationships, overseeing technical evaluations, solution selection and delivery.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing systems, automation or digital manufacturing with senior technical leadership in Industry 4.0 environments.
• Strong track record of leading complex, cross‑functional technical programs and influencing without direct authority.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including executives.
• Experience managing technical delivery from pilot through global scale‑up.
• Preferred experience in regulated manufacturing (medical devices, pharma) and a passion for mentoring engineers.

Required skills

• Hands‑on expertise with MES platforms and manufacturing data architectures.
• IIoT integration, shop‑floor‑to‑cloud connectivity, PLCs and edge/cloud computing.
• Digital twins, advanced analytics, AI/ML and agentic AI applications.
• Knowledge of smart‑factory concepts, advanced process control, ERP, PLM and WMS integration.
• Proficiency in evaluating emerging technologies, vendors and system integrators.