Job Function: Supply Chain Engineering
Job Sub Function: Manufacturing Engineering
Job Category:Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations:Santa Clara, California, United States of America
Job Description:Position OverviewThe Staff Operational Technology (OT) Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, validating, and supporting operational technology solutions that enable safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. This role focuses on industrial control systems, automation, OT-IT integration, and lifecycle support of PLC/SCADA/DCS systems and MES interfaces for on-market products. The Staff OT Engineer partners with R&D, Quality, Production, IT, and Supply Chain to ensure robust control systems, validated processes, and secure, reliable production operations.
Essential Job Functions- Design, develop, program, and deploy industrial control systems (PLCs, PACs), HMI/SCADA applications, and control logic to support manufacturing processes.
- Lead OT for process/tool/fixture implementations: define functional/user requirements and system specifications, manage vendor deliverables, and provide on-site commissioning, ramp support, and operator/maintainer training.
- Plan and execute system validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for control systems, sequencing logic, and MES/SCADA integrations; ensure documentation meets regulatory requirements.
- Integrate OT systems with MES/ERP/PLM systems (data handshakes, batch records, recipe management), support data migration and ensure electronic records integrity.
- Implement and maintain secure, segmented OT networks with IT/cybersecurity; lead OT cyber risk management (vulnerabilities, patching/compensating controls, access controls, incident response) aligned to IEC 62443 and NIST.
- Troubleshoot production control issues, perform root cause analysis (DMAIC), and implement corrective actions to restore and improve process stability and throughput.
- Develop and maintain control system documentation: control logic descriptions, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, HMI screen specs, SOPs, and validation records.
- Lead or participate in pFMEA and risk assessments focused on control and automation risks; translate risk findings into mitigation actions and design changes.
- Conduct capability studies and process monitoring where OT systems provide process control data (Cpk analyses, SPC implementations).
- Manage vendor relationships for control system components, PLC/HMI platforms, and system integrators; review and accept vendor deliverables.
- Participate in continuous improvement projects to increase automation reliability, reduce downtime, and support scalability.
- Other duties as assigned. These job requirements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel.
Requirements- Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Mechatronics/Computer/Mechanical Engineering. Master's preferred.
- Minimum 8 years' manufacturing engineering experience, including 3-5 years hands on OT/control systems in regulated environments (medical device/pharma preferred).
- Proven leader of OT projects across the full lifecycle: requirements, architecture, PLC/HMI/SCADA development, vendor selection, commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and post ramp sustainment.
- Advanced PLC/HMI/SCADA proficiency across major platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware) and fluent with IEC 61131 3 languages (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block).
- OT-IT integration expertise: MES/ERP/PLM interfaces, ISA 95 application, recipe/batch management, historians, real time alarms/events, and OT sourced OEE/Cpk reporting.
- OT security and industrial networking skills: network segmentation, managed switches/VLANs, industrial firewalls, secure remote/vendor access, vulnerability/patch management, and familiarity with IEC 62443 and NIST guidance.
- Experience with regulatory grade system validation and documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ, validation plans/protocols/trace matrices, deviation handling) and awareness of 21 CFR Part 11 concepts for electronic records.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause capabilities for PLC logic, HMI behavior, communication faults, and on site commissioning diagnostics.
- Strong vendor and integrator management skills: scoping, technical acceptance, FAT/SAT oversight, and contract deliverable governance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior OT/control engineers, and influence stakeholders including IT, Quality, Production, and Regulatory.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experienced producing technical specifications, control narratives, validation artifacts, SOPs, and executive summaries.
- Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing sites as required.
Preferred Qualifications- Certifications: IEC 62443 practitioner/certification, GICSP, ISA, vendor-specific PLC/HMI certifications, or relevant OT security credentials.
- Formal project management certification (PMP) or equivalent demonstrated multi-project leadership experience.
- Experience with implementation of historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI)
- Experience designing and implementing architecture for SCADA or an OT communication layer, that delivers centralization of IOT data and supports cloud-based OT analytics platforms.
- Prior experience in medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing with direct support for audits and regulatory submissions.
- Six Sigma or Lean certification and experience applying statistical methods (Cpk, SPC) using Minitab or similar tools to OT-sourced process data.
Required Skills:Preferred Skills:Accelerating, Coaching, Compliance Risk, Critical Thinking, Facility Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lean Manufacturing Principles, Lean Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Performance Measurement, Product Design, Program Management, Project Engineering, Project Schedule, Robotic Automation, Safety-Oriented, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Technologically Savvy
The anticipated base pay range for this position is :$109,000.00 - $174,800.00
Additional Description for Pay Transparency:
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 Colorado -48 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
Bereavement Leave - 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave - 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
Volunteer Leave - 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off - 80 hours per calendar year
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits
