Automation Engineer, Vision Systems

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:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Anasco, Puerto Rico, United States of America

Job Description:

About Vision

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 on the possibilities of vision treatments? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how vision is improved? Our Vision team solves the toughest health challenges. Help combine cutting-edge insights, science, technology, and people to encourage eye care professionals and patients to proactively protect, correct and enhance healthy sight for life. Our products and services address these needs – from the pediatric to aging eye – in a patient’s lifetime.
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 Automation Engineer, Vision Systems.

Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer, Vision Systems to lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of advanced automation and machine vision solutions in a regulated manufacturing environment.

This role is responsible for integrating machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Omron, Others) with industrial automation and control platforms to support new product introduction, process optimization, inspection automation, and manufacturing excellence.

The successful candidate will act as a technical leader and system owner, ensuring automation and vision systems meet performance, reliability, data integrity, and FDA / cGMP / CSV compliance requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

You will be responsible for:

 

Vision Systems & Machine Vision Integration

• Design, implement, and support machine vision systems for inspection, measurement, identification, and quality assurance in manufacturing environments

• Lead deployment and optimization of Cognex, Keyence, and Omron vision cameras and smart sensors

• Configure and support vision software platforms, including but not limited to:

  • Cognex In‑Sight Explorer, VisionPro, Designer, and Deep Learning tools

  • Keyence Vision System software and sensor configuration tools

  • Omron Sysmac Studio vision solutions

    • Develop and maintain vision recipes, image processing logic, calibration routines, and performance validation

    • Integrate vision inspection results with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and manufacturing execution workflows

Automation & Control Systems Engineering

• Resolve complex reliability issues and conduct assessments for system modernization needs

• Implement automation requirements with full accountability for scheduling, maintenance, and operational support

• Conduct comprehensive regulatory compliance assessments and implement improvements to meet cGMP, FDA, and other regulatory requirements

• Design, program, and support advanced automation systems including PLC‑based control architectures

• Integrate vision systems with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, and Beckhoff PLC platforms

• Develop structured logic, motion coordination, and data exchange between control systems and vision devices

HMI/SCADA Development & Control Systems

• Design, build, and implement HMI applications using industry-standard platforms including Ignition, Wonderware, iFIX, FactoryTalk View, and FactoryTalk Optix

• Create intuitive user interfaces with optimized layout design, navigation functionality, and operator-friendly screen development

• Design and implement comprehensive automation systems including robotics integration, advanced PLC programming, and sophisticated control system architectures

• Integrate multiple subsystems while optimizing performance and ensuring seamless operational flow

Technical Problem Resolution & System Integration

• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving both software and hardware components of automated equipment

• Lead solving efforts for critical production systems and implement preventive maintenance strategies

• Provide on-call support for production operations as needed

• Handle system integrations across diverse platforms including Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, and data historian systems

• Support robotics and automated material handling systems where vision guidance or inspection is required

Data Management & Analytics Systems

• Configure and maintain databases, reporting systems, and comprehensive data collection platforms

• Implement and optimize PI Data Historian for data storage, retrieval, trending, and advanced analytics

• Generate and maintain preventive maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure optimal machine functionality

 

Computer System Validation & multi-functional Collaboration

• Lead and support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities for automation and vision systems

• Execute and maintain system lifecycle documentation aligned with GAMP, FDA, and cGMP requirements

• Develop and execute IQ/OQ/PQ protocols

• Ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and data integrity

• Participate in change control processes in regulated manufacturing environments.

• Apply Microsoft Project for comprehensive project planning, resource allocation, timeline management, and budget control

• Conduct technical design reviews and vendor management meetings with equipment suppliers and service providers

• Prepare detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and user documentation

• Manage Computer System Validation (CSV) processes and system lifecycle documentation throughout project phases

Qualifications / Requirements:

Experience & Education

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Automation, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields with over 2 years’ of experience in automation and vision systems within a regulated manufacturing environment. 

• GMP Environment Experience: Working knowledge in regulated pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing operations

• Demonstrated experience integrating machine vision with industrial automation systems

• Proven ability to lead technical projects and support cross‑functional teams

Core Technical Expertise

• Machine Vision Systems: Cognex, Keyence, Omron cameras, smart sensors, and vision software platforms

• Automation Platforms: Allen‑Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), Siemens (S7‑1200/1500), Beckhoff TwinCAT

• Industrial Networking: Ethernet/IP, Profinet, device integration and diagnostics

• HMI / SCADA development and system troubleshooting

• Database and manufacturing data management systems

• Strong understanding of system lifecycle management and CSV principles

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

• Deep understanding of cGMP regulations and FDA requirements for automated systems

• Experience with qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and validation documentation

• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures

• Change control process experience in regulated environments

Additional Requirements

• Experience developing testing protocols and preventive maintenance programs

• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environments

• Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving approach

• Flexibility to support production operations including off-hours support

Preferred Qualifications

 

Professional Certifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license

• Network certifications (CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent)

• Beckhoff, Rockwell Automation or Siemens automation platform certifications

 

Emerging Technologies

• Experience with Industry 4.0 initiatives and digital transformation projects

• Cloud-based automation solutions and data analytics platforms

• Advanced process analytics and machine learning applications

• Experience with backup systems, redundancy configurations, and disaster recovery planning

• Knowledge integrating Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing processes to enhance manual operations and improve efficiency.

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 (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

#LI-Onsite

 

 

Required Skills:

 

 

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Controls Compliance, Execution Focus, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Lean Supply Chain Management, Machine Learning (ML), Project Management, Prototyping, Robotic Automation, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Scope Management, Smart Systems, Systems Development, Technologically Savvy, Testing