Systems and Automation Engineering Manager

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 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:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Grecia, Costa Rica

Job Description:

About MedTech

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

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

About Cardiovascular

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

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of Cardiovascular? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how we heal? Our Cardiovascular team develops leading solutions for heart recovery, electrophysiology, and stroke. You will join a proud heritage of continually elevating standards of care for stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients.

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

We are searching for the best talent for Systems and Automation Manager.

Purpose:

The Systems & Automation Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, implementation, support, and continuous improvement of manufacturing, business, and automation systems that enable safe, compliant, and efficient operations. This role oversees a team of systems, automation, and digital technology professionals and partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Information Technology teams to deliver scalable solutions that improve productivity, data visibility, process reliability, and business performance.

The Systems & Automation Manager drives digital transformation initiatives, automation technologies, manufacturing systems integration, and process optimization while ensuring compliance with quality, cybersecurity, validation, and regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key leader in advancing smart manufacturing capabilities and operational excellence.

You will be responsible for:

In accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws/regulations and Corporate Johnson & Johnson, procedures and guidelines, this position:

Leadership & Strategy

• Leads and develops a team of systems engineers, automation engineers, and technical specialists.
• Establishes and executes a systems and automation roadmap aligned with business and operational objectives.
• Supports site and enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Manage department priorities, resources, budgets, and project portfolios.

Manufacturing Systems & Automation

• Oversees the lifecycle management of manufacturing systems, including MES, ERP interfaces, data historians, SCADA, PLCs, and related automation platforms.
• Ensures reliable operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing and business systems.
• Leads system upgrades, enhancements, integrations, validations, and deployments.
• Partner with Engineering, IT and Operations to identify and implement automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Drive standardization of automation architectures and system governance.

Project & Program Management

• Leads cross-functional projects involving process automation, digital technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and system implementations.
• Develop business cases, project plans, budgets, risk assessments, and implementation strategies.
• Coordinates testing, validation, user acceptance activities, change management, and training efforts.
• Ensures projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA, ISO, GMP, data integrity, cybersecurity, and computer system validation requirements.
• Supports audits, inspections, CAPAs, deviations, and quality investigations related to systems and automation.
• Establishes governance processes for system changes, incident management, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

Data & Analytics

• Drives the development and use of dashboards, reporting tools, and operational analytics.
• Improves visibility into manufacturing performance through real-time data collection and analysis.
• Utilizes business metrics to identify opportunities for process optimization and value realization.
• Promotes data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Stakeholder Management

• Partners with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Facilities, Engineering, and IT teams to align technology solutions with business needs.
• Manages relationships with vendors, consultants, and service providers.
• Serves as the primary escalation point for critical systems and automation issues.

Others

• Responsible for communicating business-related issues or opportunities to next management level
• Responsible for following all Company guidelines related to Health, Safety and Environmental practices as applicable.
• For those who supervise or manage a staff, responsible for ensuring that subordinates follow all Company guidelines related to Health, Safety and Environmental practices and that all resources needed to do so are available and in good condition, if applicable
• Responsible for ensuring personal and Company compliance with all Federal, State, local and Company regulations, policies, and procedures
• Performs other duties assigned as needed

Qualifications / Requirements:

Experience and education

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 6-8 years of experience in manufacturing systems, automation, digital technologies, or related operational technology environments.
• Minimum 2-4 years of leadership experience managing technical teams and projects.
• Experience in regulated industries such as Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, or Consumer Health preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and supporting manufacturing and business systems.

Required knowledge, skills, abilities, certifications/licenses and affiliations

Technical Experience:

• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, S/4HANA)
• PLC, SCADA, and HMI technologies
• Industrial networking and system integration
• Data analytics and visualization tools
• Computer System Validation (CSV)
• Cybersecurity principles for operational technology environments
• SQL databases and reporting platforms
• Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• People leadership and talent development
• Strong project and program management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Results-oriented execution
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Fluency in Spanish and English

#LI-Onsite

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Alignment, Data Integration, Developing Others, Inclusive Leadership, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Leadership, Lean Supply Chain Management, Machine Learning (ML), Management Systems Implementation, Process Improvements, Prototyping, Quality Assurance (QA), Robotic Automation, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Smart Systems, Team Management, Workflow Automation