Director of Engineering, Synthetics

Johnson & Johnson

. Lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for design, scale-up, industrialization, and lifecycle support of medical device manufacturing processes .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeNijmegen • NetherlandsLead💰 €102,500 - €177,445 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in the medical device manufacturing sector, focusing on capital investment, technology transformation, and compliance with cGMP standards. Proven ability to drive cross-functional programs from concept to commercial launch while ensuring operational excellence and risk management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Engineering LeadershipCapital Investment ManagementCGMP ComplianceTechnology TransformationCross-Functional Program Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Process ValidationPowder Processing TechnologiesAutomationDigital ManufacturingNPI (New Product Introduction)Risk ManagementData AnalysisBudget ManagementTechnical Issue ResolutionProduct Lifecycle Management

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingClear CommunicationInfluencing Without AuthorityAccountabilityContinuous Improvement Mindset

Tools & Technologies

Industry 4.0Advanced Process ControlDoE (Design of Experiments)PAT (Process Analytical Technology)Analytics

Certifications & Qualifications

PMPLean Six Sigma

Industry Keywords

Medical Device ManufacturingPharmaceutical ManufacturingCombination ProductsBiosurgeryEHS Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for design, scale-up, industrialization, and lifecycle support of medical device manufacturing processes
Focus on synthetic products and processes while supporting base business manufacturing
Own engineering strategy and multi-year capital investment portfolio
Drive cross-functional programs from concept through validation and commercial launch
Lead engineering managers, engineers, and technical specialists across process, equipment, automation, and facilities disciplines
Set goals, priorities, accountability, hiring, succession planning, and development programs
Develop and present capital business cases and appropriation requests
Lead projects through design, installation, commissioning, qualification, and operational handover
Manage budgets, forecasts, spending, vendors, engineering firms, and contract partners
Lead programs supporting capacity expansion, NPI, technology transfer, scale-up, and product lifecycle management
Establish governance, integrated plans, milestones, risk registers, and stage-gate reviews
Provide data-driven updates to senior leadership and mitigate technical, supply, and schedule risks
Support supply continuity, technical issue resolution, lifecycle projects, cost improvement, and reliability initiatives
Define and execute technology roadmaps covering automation, digital manufacturing, analytics, Industry 4.0, and AI
Evaluate and scale process technologies to improve yield, capacity, quality, and cost
Champion DoE, PAT, advanced process control, and standardization across sites and partners
Provide technical leadership for combination product manufacturing and powder processes
Address powder flowability, segregation, moisture sensitivity, dust control, and operator safety
Ensure design supports sterility assurance, contamination control, and cleanroom requirements
Ensure compliance with cGMP, process validation, change control, risk management, investigations, CAPA, regulatory submissions, inspections, and EHS standards
Report to the Senior Director, Global Technical Operations – Biosurgery

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Biomedical, Materials, or related Engineering discipline is required
Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in medical device, pharmaceutical, or combination product manufacturing with relevant people leadership experience
Proven track record leading capital investment projects, including business case development, budget ownership, and delivery of new lines or facilities
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional programs (NPI, technology transfer, or scale-up) to on-time, on-budget outcomes
Experience leading technology transformation, such as automation, digitalization, or introduction of new process platforms
Working knowledge of cGMP requirements, including process validation and risk management
Willingness to travel up to 30%, domestically and internationally
Master's degree, MBA, or PhD is preferred
Hands-on expertise in powder processing technologies is preferred
Experience with medical products is preferred
Experience with hemostats, biosurgery, or other absorbable/biologic medical products is preferred
Experience managing external manufacturing partners, suppliers, and engineering contractors in a global environment is preferred
PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent certification is preferred
Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into executable plans
Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making
Executive presence with clear, concise communication to senior leadership
Ability to influence without authority across a global matrix organization
Bias for action, accountability, and continuous-improvement mindset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus with set target depending on pay grade/location, based on employee and company performance
Sales commissions where applicable
Vacation days
Parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks
Bereavement leave
Caregiver leave
Volunteer leave
Well-being reimbursement
Programs for financial, physical and mental health
Service anniversary and recognition awards
Insurance plans for employees and eligible dependents in some locations
Netherlands: 8% holiday allowance included in annual base pay