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

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 Johnson & Johnson 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. Learn more at

We are searching for the best talent for an Automation & Robotics Engineer, Cell Therapy in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

We are on a mission to transform autologous CAR‑T cell‑therapy manufacturing with pioneering automation. As an Automation/Robotics Engineer, you will support the design, integration, and testing of automated modular systems and mobile robots, contribute to documentation, assist in troubleshooting, help coordinate process flows, and participate in verification and sterility‑assurance activities. This role applies foundational engineering and computer‑science principles to help maintain reliable, scalable automated production lines under direct to moderate supervision.

You will be responsible for:

Design & Deploy

• Assist with the design, configuration, and deployment of automated systems and robotic modules used in CAR‑T manufacturing workflows (e.g. isolation, expansion, formulation, cryopreservation) under GMP.
• Support the development of system architectures, user requirements, and technical documentation (URS, DHF, traceability matrices) through data gathering, drafting, and revision.
• Contribute to assembling and testing functional prototypes to evaluate feasibility and performance under guidance.
• Participate in FAT/SAT and qualification activities by performing defined test steps, capturing data, and documenting deviations.

Solve & Improve

• Support equipment owners by collecting performance data, documenting observations, and escalating issues appropriately.
• Conduct initial troubleshooting following standard procedures and assist in basic root‑cause analysis across mechanical, software, vision, and control‑system components.
• Recommend small‑scale adjustments or procedural improvements based on test results and operator feedback.
• Assist vendors and senior engineers with evaluating technologies or upgrades by preparing data summaries or test inputs.

Maintain & Sustain

• Contribute to operational support by monitoring equipment performance, performing routine maintenance tasks, and updating logs.
• Help prepare and revise user documentation (SOPs, O&M manuals, reports) and ensure consistency with GMP expectations.
• Assist with audit readiness, documentation reviews, and compliance activities.

Optimize & Scale

• Support optimization of production flows by updating test data, documenting cycle times, and assisting with control‑system evaluations.
• Participate in technology‑roadmap activities by completing assigned work packages such as component testing or documentation updates.
• Collaborate with QA, IT, OT, facilities, and other functions to support the alignment of automation efforts across teams.
• Assist in risk assessments and mitigation planning by compiling data and maintaining worksheets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automation, Robotics, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering, or related technical field with 1–2 years of relevant experience in robotics, automation, or mechatronics (internships, academic projects included).

• Exposure to automated systems, instrumentation, or electromechanical equipment is preferred.

• Basic hands‑on experience with robotics platforms, laboratory automation systems, or control‑system hardware.

• Foundational understanding of engineering and computer‑science principles as applied to automation and robotics.

• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally with operators, engineers, and cross‑functional partners.

• Demonstrated reliability in following procedures, documenting activities, and working safely in a regulated environment.

• Ability to work under direct to moderate supervision while contributing to assigned tasks and technical processes.

• Experience with programming or scripting (e.g. Python, C++, vendor‑specific languages).

• Experience supporting projects in regulated or GMP environments.

• Exposure to ISA S88/S95 concepts, PLCs, MES, or data‑integration tools.

• Experience with 3D modeling, simulation tools, or digital‑twin environments.

• Familiarity with industrial automation networks and communication protocols.

• This hands‑on position will be based in the US (East Coast, Spring House) and on‑site presence is required. Willingness to travel during project phases.

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 ([email protected]) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Computer Programming, Data Science, Document Management, Execution Focus, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Manufacturing Technologies, Prototyping, Research and Development, Robotic Automation, Robotic Control Software, Safety-Oriented, SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Technical Support, Technical Troubleshooting, Technologically Savvy, Testing