R&D Engineer

Johnson & Johnson seeks a Mid-level R&D Engineer in Zuchwil to support orthopedic product development, combining mechanical design with regulatory compliance and cross-functional collaboration.

This position sits within the Biomedical Engineering R&D Product Development function, specifically supporting the Orthopedics division. The team focuses on creating next-generation treatments at the intersection of biology and technology, covering areas such as joint reconstruction, trauma, spine care, robotics, and digital surgery. The role is based in Zuchwil, Switzerland, and involves assisting in the design of new implants and instrumentation while supporting existing products throughout their lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing new implants and instruments, and provide ongoing support for products already on the market.
• Work with cross-functional groups including design engineering, marketing, quality, supply chain, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs to define functional requirements and product concepts.
• Help lead engineers create conceptual models, drawings, prototypes, and verification/validation reports, along with necessary Design Control documentation.
• Ensure compliance with MDR and FDA Design Control regulations, supporting 510(k) submissions and IDE clinical studies through accurate documentation.
• Consider manufacturing and inspection processes when contributing to design solutions.
• Design, execute, and document mechanical tests.
• Maintain awareness of current product lines and develop detailed knowledge of relevant anatomical injuries, pathologies, and treatment options.
• Follow the New Product Development (NPD) process and uphold high standards for design verification and validation.
• Engage with clinicians to inform design decisions and support clinical assessments of product improvements.
• Complete documentation for design and process changes, demonstrating proficiency in design controls.
• Understand intellectual property processes and assist with initial patent reviews and freedom-to-operate assessments.
• Support operations projects, including cost reduction initiatives and production transfers.
• Participate in quality and compliance activities, such as audits, remediation projects, nonconformances, and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Join complaint and field investigation activities to ensure patient and customer safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• At least six months of experience in mechanical product design and development, gained through co-ops, internships, or research.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey concepts to management, teams, customers, and healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to work with wet tissues, cadavers, and within operating room environments.
• Business fluent proficiency in German.
• Business fluent proficiency in English.

Nice to have

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Knowledge of biomechanics, biology, and anatomy.
• Familiarity with medical device regulations, including GMP, QSR, and ISO quality standards.
• Understanding of Good Documentation Practice (GDP).
• Experience with CAD software.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, machining, mechanisms, materials, tolerancing, drafting standards, and GD&T.
• Experience in medical device design or machine shop environments.
• Experience with plastic injection molding design and manufacturing.
• Project management experience from academic or professional settings.
• Demonstrated creative design abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage a varied workload.
• Strong initiative and follow-through in executing project responsibilities, overcoming obstacles, and balancing multiple priorities.

What the company offers

• An inclusive work environment that respects diversity and dignity, treating each person as an individual.
• The opportunity to join a team reimagining healing and impacting health for humanity through innovation.

About the company

Johnson & Johnson operates under a Credo that places health as the top priority, taking responsibility for employees worldwide. The company is committed to professionalism, ethics, and compliance, supported by a Code of Business Conduct.

• Guided by a Credo that prioritizes health and employee responsibility.
• Committed to professionalism, ethics, and compliance.
• Inclusive environment respecting diversity and individual dignity.