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Surgical Robotics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our newly deployed fourth generation sytem includes more actuated degrees of freedom and far more autonomy than leading surgical robots, producing an array of engineering challenges unique in the ...

Robot Reliability and Test Engineer

Austin, TX

$101.60K - $127.90K/yr

The Robot Reliability and Test Team is directly responsible for ensuring the surgical robot and its ... As a Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for transforming our surgical robot from an experimental ...

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Surgical Robotics Engineer information

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$29K

$105.6K

$169K

How much do surgical robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for surgical robotics engineer in the United States is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Surgical Robotics Engineer do?

A Surgical Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains robotic systems used in surgical procedures. They work at the intersection of mechanical engineering, software development, and biomedical technology to create precise and minimally invasive surgical tools. Their responsibilities include prototyping, testing, and refining robotic systems to ensure safety and efficiency. They also collaborate with surgeons and medical professionals to optimize the performance of robotic-assisted surgical devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Surgical Robotics Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, mechanical or biomedical engineering, computer programming (such as C++ or Python), and a related engineering degree. Experience with CAD software, robotic control systems, and occasionally medical device certifications like ISO 13485 or FDA compliance are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams help you excel in complex development environments. These skills and attributes are vital for designing innovative, reliable surgical robotics solutions that meet strict healthcare standards and improve patient outcomes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Surgical Robotics Engineer?

Surgical Robotics Engineers typically split their days between designing and testing new robotic systems, troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with surgeons and clinical staff to refine product usability, and documenting design changes to ensure regulatory compliance. They may also conduct simulations, support operating room setups, and provide technical training to users. The role often requires working closely with cross-functional teams including software developers, quality assurance, and regulatory specialists to ensure safe and effective devices. This variety makes the role both challenging and rewarding, as you contribute directly to advancing surgical technology.
What cities are hiring for Surgical Robotics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Robotics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Robotics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Surgical Robotics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Surgical Robotics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Robotics Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surgical Robotics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 44% Physical, 17% Hybrid, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Sr Engineer, Automation Applications/Surgical Robotics - OTTAVA

Jj

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions 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 jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function:

Automation Engineering

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description:

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking for Sr. Engineer, Automation Applications - OTTAVA, for our Santa Clara, Location.

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 ourexpertisein Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs oftomorrow, andprofoundlyimpacthealth for humanity. Learn more atjnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnsonisresponsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person isconsidered asan individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize theirmerit.

About MedTech Surgery

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology,we'redeveloping the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of surgery? Ready to join a teamthat'sreimagining how we heal? Our Surgery team will give you the chance to deliver surgical technologies and solutions to surgeons and healthcare professionals around the world. Your contributions will help effectively treat some of the world's most prevalent conditions such

as obesity, cardiovasculardiseaseand cancer. Patients are waiting.

Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more athttps://www.jnj.com/medtech

Purpose

Johnson & Johnson RAD (Robotics and Digital) is seeking an experienced Senior Engineer, Automation Applications to architect, develop, and deploy scalable, next-generation automation across manufacturing operations. In this role, you will deliver end-to-end automation solutions-including robotic cells, semi-reconfigurable automated assembly, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), smart workstations, and IoT-enabled workflows-ensuring robust system design, compliance, and seamless integration from the shop floor through OT/IT interfaces to enterprise digital platforms.

You will drive modular, cost-effective automation that improves throughput and cycle time, elevates quality and reliability, and increases production flexibility. The successful candidate brings deep hands-on engineering capability, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to lead technical decisions across cross-functional teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own end-to-end delivery of automation solutions from concept through commissioning and handover (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ where applicable, run-at-rate).
  • Architect and implement semi-automated to fully automated robotic solutions, including X-Y Cartesian systems, robotic cells, EOAT, vision-guided assembly, smart workstations for digital workers, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
  • Define functional specifications, URS/FRS, test plans, acceptance criteria, and commissioning documentation.
  • Lead system design reviews and provide technical direction to internal teams and integrators; ensure modular, scalable, maintainable designs.
  • Specify, integrate, andvalidatehardware and software: robots, PLCs, HMIs, safety controllers, vision systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial networks.
  • Drive machine safety and risk assessments (guarding, interlocks, collaborative robot safety) and maintain EHS compliance documentation.
  • Set up functional safety andstandardscompliance for robot cells and AMR operations (e.g., ISO 10218/TS 15066, ISO 13849/IEC 62061, ISO 12100).
  • Implement OT/IIoTconnectivity, edgedevicesand monitoring (equipment status, alarms, cycle time, OEE drivers); collaborate on dashboards and analytics.
  • Develop andmaintainautomation standards, reusable libraries, and digital engineering artifacts (robotsimulation, offline programming, digital twin where applicable).
  • Partner with manufacturing, operations, quality, IT, and cybersecurity to drive solutions.
  • Evaluate and manage partners and system integrators, including RFQ/SOW development, technical delivery, schedule tracking, and budget management for automation projects.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer, or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • 5+ years delivering industrial automation and/or robotics solutions in manufacturing (medical device / regulated industries preferred).
  • Hands-on experience integrating industrial robots (ABB, KUKA, UR,Mecademicor similar): cell layout, EOAT, safety, cycle-time optimization.
  • PLC andcontrolsexperience (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff or similar), including troubleshooting motion, IO, and safety architectures.
  • Familiarity with industrial networking and OT protocols (Ethernet/IP,OPC UA, MQTT) and basic network troubleshooting.
  • Strong machine safety knowledge and experience with risk assessments and safe design practices.
  • Systems engineering experience: URS/FRS, design specs, test plans, commissioning documentation.
  • Experience with sensors and machine vision integration for inspection/guidance.
  • Proven debugging and root cause analysis skills across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software interfaces.
  • Experience with digital engineering tools (simulation/offline programming, cell emulation, digital twins) to de-risk deployments.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methods (Value stream mapping, DMAIC, Kaizen) and using data to drive improvements in OEE, throughput,qualityand yield.
  • Vendor management experienceincludingRFQ development, technical evaluation, and oversight of integrator build/verification.

Preferred:

  • Experience delivering automation in regulated environments (e.g., medical device, pharma) including documentation rigor, change control, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) concepts.
  • Experience with Industry 4.0 /IIoTconnectivity (OPC UA, MQTT, REST APIs) and integrationtoMES.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control, poka-yoke/error-proofing, traceability, and automated inspection strategies.
  • Programming/scripting experience (e.g., Python, C#, structured text)usedfor automation tooling, data extraction, or test automation.

Other:

  • May require up to 10%domesticand/or international travel.
  • The attendance policy required for this role is Fully Onsite

Johnson & Johnsonisan 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,stateor local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who areprotectedveterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnsoniscommitted to providing an interview process that isinclusive ofour applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to requestan accommodation, external applicants please contact us viahttps://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers, internal employees contactAskGSto be directed to your accommodation

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$109,000.00 to $153,748.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)). This position is eligible to participate in the Company's long-term incentive program. Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation -120 hours per calendar year Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington -56 hours per calendar year Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays -13 days per calendar year Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year Parental Leave - 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child Condolence Leave - 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member Caregiver Leave - 10 days Volunteer Leave - 4 days Military Spouse Time-Off - 80 hours Additional information can be found through the link below. https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits