Navigation Systems Software Manager

Johnson & Johnson

Navigation Systems Software Manager leading embedded software for surgical navigation systems at Johnson & Johnson. Responsible for technical and team leadership in a hybrid role based in Boston or Warsaw.

Posted 6/17/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $117,000 - $201,250 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security.NETPythonRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the full lifecycle development of embedded software subsystems for surgical navigation systems platforms, from early concept and prototyping through verification, release, and post‑market support.
Define, own, and evolve the embedded software platform and architecture, ensuring scalability, real‑time performance, safety, cybersecurity, and long‑term maintainability.
Establish technical direction and software roadmaps aligned with product strategy and system evolution.
Ensure software designs are compliant with system requirements, user needs, intended use, hazard mitigations, and regulatory expectations.
Partner with systems engineering, hardware, clinical, usability/human factors, quality, and manufacturing teams to translate user needs into clear, testable, traceable software requirements.
Lead and participate in architecture reviews, design reviews, and cross‑disciplinary technical trade‑off discussions.
Collaborate on the design and implementation of safe, intuitive user interfaces with human factors and clinical teams.
Support regulatory submissions, audits, inspections, and DHF completeness in partnership with quality and regulatory affairs.
Establish and own DevOps strategies appropriate for regulated embedded surgical robotics and navigation systems, including:
o Continuous Integration (CI) with automated builds, static analysis, and test execution
o Controlled release pipelines aligned with design controls and change management
o Source control, branching strategies, and configuration management for safety‑critical products
Lead adoption of automated unit-testing, integration, and system‑level testing to improve quality and delivery predictability.
Champion metrics‑driven development (build health, test coverage, defect trends) to drive continuous improvement.
Lead software FMEA activities, define and verify effective risk mitigation strategies, and ensure software safety levels align with system requirements and applicable risk controls.
Contribute to hazard analysis, risk management, and design controls in accordance with medical device regulations.
Ensure compliance with applicable medical device software standards (e.g., IEC 62304) and internal quality processes.
Investigate non‑conformances, deviations, and test failures; drive root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions.
Lead software planning and execution across development phases, including prototyping, design, verification, validation, and release.
Support design transfer, manufacturing readiness, and product launch activities.
Participate in complaint investigations, post‑market surveillance, and controlled software updates.
Build, mentor, and retain a high‑performing embedded software team.
Identify project critical paths, proactively manage risks, and facilitate cross‑functional problem solving.
Support resource planning, staffing, and schedule estimation.
Communicate risks, opportunities, and execution status clearly to senior leadership.
Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Communicate business‑related issues, risks, and opportunities to senior management in a timely and effective manner.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 7+ years of hands‑on experience developing embedded software for medical devices.
Deep expertise in embedded C/C++ development, including low‑level drivers, middleware, and application‑level software.
Expertise in Microsoft .NET development framework and Window based applications
Strong experience with real‑time embedded systems, including RTOS‑based environments (e.g., QNX or similar real‑time operating systems).
Strong understanding of software and systems engineering principles and product development lifecycle (e.g., V-model, waterfall, Agile).
Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Polarion).
Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices is preferred.
Familiarity with test automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
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 the 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

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

embedded software developmentC/C++Microsoft .NETreal-time embedded systemsRTOSrequirements managementtest automationscripting languagessoftware FMEAhazard analysis

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationproblem solvingmentoringrisk managementcollaborationtechnical excellenceaccountabilitycontinuous improvementproject management