Head of Navigation R&D, Digital

Johnson & Johnson

. Lead software and systems engineering for intra-operative navigation, including localization, registration, sensor fusion, and orchestration across embedded, edge, and cloud components .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $196,000 - $342,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading software and systems engineering for intra-operative navigation, with a strong focus on real-time navigation stacks, sensor fusion, and compliance with IEC 62304. Proven ability to mentor teams, manage multi-year roadmaps, and integrate MLOps within regulated environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C/C++ ProgrammingPython ProgrammingReal-Time Middleware (ROS/ROS2, DDS)Sensor Fusion and SLAM/VOIEC 62304 Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringSystems EngineeringNavigation Software DevelopmentAlgorithm DevelopmentAI IntegrationSimulation ToolingAutomated TestingModel Training and Validation3D RegistrationGPU/Accelerator Optimization

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationCross-Disciplinary Trust Building

Tools & Technologies

CI/CD ToolsDigital Twin TechnologySynthetic Data PipelinesMLOps FrameworksRegulatory Compliance Tools

Industry Keywords

Medical Device SoftwareSurgical NavigationOrthopedicsISO 13485ISO 14971CybersecurityCloud OrchestrationEmbedded Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead software and systems engineering for intra-operative navigation, including localization, registration, sensor fusion, and orchestration across embedded, edge, and cloud components
Act as the primary navigation partner to robotics, clinical, and regulatory teams
Own the multi-year navigation software and systems roadmap and drive delivery to product milestones
Architect real-time navigation stacks and partition deterministic control loops from non-real-time services
Lead software, algorithm, and AI teams to productionize perception pipelines
Build and operate simulation/digital-twin and synthetic-data pipelines for validation and regression testing
Establish IEC 62304-aligned software lifecycle, CI/CD for embedded and cloud systems, automated test harnesses, and traceability
Define non-functional requirements and verification strategies
Integrate MLOps for model training, validation, deployment controls, and in-field monitoring
Partner with QA/RA to deliver software evidence, risk controls, and regulatory inputs
Qualify navigation software suppliers and SDKs
Partner with technology partners for co-development
Mentor senior engineers and build cross-disciplinary trust
Collaborate globally with external partners and sales regions

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Systems or equivalent
10+ years of software/systems experience
Approximately 5+ years in navigation/perception or related systems
Experience shipping production navigation or perception software
Strong C/C++ and Python skills
Experience with real-time middleware such as ROS/ROS2, DDS or equivalent
Experience with sensor fusion, SLAM/VO, 3D registration, and simulation tooling
Practical experience with software design controls for regulated products, including IEC 62304, ISO 13485, and ISO 14971
Surgical/orthopedics navigation experience preferred
GPU/accelerator optimization preferred
ML model lifecycle experience in regulated contexts preferred
Experience with SBOM, medical-device cybersecurity, and cloud/edge orchestration preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual performance bonus
Pension plan
401(k) savings plan
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; 48 hours for Colorado employees; 56 hours for Washington employees
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 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 period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
Disability accommodation support during the interview process