Senior 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 ;br>
Job Function:
R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:
Robotics

Job Category:
Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:
Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

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.

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We are searching for the best talent for the best Senior 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 Senior Automation/Robotics Engineer, you will lead the concept, design, integration, and lifecycle management of sophisticated automated modular systems and mobile robots, ensuring compliance, reliability, and innovation. You will serve as system owner for multiple automated platforms, proactively resolve complex technical challenges, and drive multi-functional collaboration across QA, IT, OT, facilities, supply chain, and manufacturing. You will scout emerging technologies, champion digital transformation, and mentor junior engineers while maintaining GMP standards and operational excellence.

You will be responsible for:

Design & Deploy

• 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.

Solve & Improve

• 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.

Maintain & Sustain

• 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.

Optimize & Scale

• 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.

Leadership & Training

• 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.

Qualifications:

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.

• This hands-on position will be based in the US (East Coast, Spring House) and on-site presence is required.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% during project phases and 10% 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 () or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:
Computer Programming, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Critical Thinking, Data Science, Industrial Robotics, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Manufacturing Technologies, Problem Solving, Process Improvements, Prototyping, Relationship Building, Research and Development, Robotic Automation, Robotic Control Software, SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Technical Credibility, Technologically Savvy