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 https://www.jnj.com

Job Function:

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function:

Process Engineering

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium, Geel, Antwerp, Belgium, Latina, Italy, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Ringaskiddy, Cork, Ireland

Job Description:

Innovative Medicine Supply Chain (IMSC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Global Engineering & Technology Process Engineering (GET- PE) organization at Johnson & Johnson as Automation Senior Principal Engineer in support of Synthetics and Biotherapeutics. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a global role based at one of our major manufacturing locations (Beerse/Geel, Belgium; Cork, Ireland; Leiden, The Netherlands; Latina, Italy; Gurabo, Puerto Rico; East Coast, USA). We welcome both part-time applicants (80% of a working week) and individuals returning to the workplace after a career break.

As part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, our Purpose is ‘We blend heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.’ We are guided by the values in Our Credo. We build an inclusive environment where a diverse set of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential.

Position Summary

As the GET PE Automation Senior Principal Engineer, you will Lead early design inputs to process control design for Strategic projects and Network studies in IMSC and Support troubleshooting activities on critical activities both internally and externally.

Joining our global engineering group, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who consistently demonstrate strong work behaviours from various functions and sites within IMSC. This dynamic and inspiring work environment offers endless possibilities for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities and impact you will have:

Lead the intake, scoping, prioritization, and resolution of automation-related requests across global sites
Ensure robust, fit-for-purpose design and promote standardization where it adds value
Provide expert input and alignment on key design decisions for automation systems and infrastructure
Actively collaborate with automation leads across synthetic and biotherapeutic plants
Identify opportunities for harmonization, shared solutions, and best practice exchange
Foster a culture of collaboration to reduce duplication and accelerate implementation
Maintain strong connections with industry experts (internal and external, e.g. ISPE) and thought leaders to bring cutting-edge solutions into the organization
Ensure alignment with enterprise-wide strategies, compliance requirements, and technology roadmaps
Collaborate with External Supply teams to prioritize support and resolve issues for high-impact programs and partners

Qualifications:

Education:

Minimum of a Master’s degree in Engineering, with preference in Automation, Control Systems, or a related technical field is required

Experience and Skills:

Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in automation engineering, with a strong focus on Operational Technology (OT) in pharmaceutical and/or biotherapeutic manufacturing environments.
Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving global initiatives in automation and process control.
Deep understanding of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and integration with MES and IT systems.
Experience with ISA-95 architecture, GMP environments, and regulatory compliance in life sciences.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across global teams and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, develop business cases, and lead feasibility studies.
Familiarity with industry standards and networks such as ISPE, GAMP, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Strategic mindset with hands-on capability to support design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation solutions.
Intellectual curiosity to challenge the status quo, influence without authority, and cultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture.
Proficiency in written and spoken English, additional languages (Dutch, Spanish, Italian) would be a significant advantage.
This position may require up to 25% domestic and international travel.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills: