Navigation Systems Software Manager

Johnson & Johnson

Senior Navigation Systems Software Manager at Johnson & Johnson developing next-generation surgical navigation systems. Leading a team to deliver robust, scalable, and safety-critical software platforms.

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

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security.NETRTOS

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.
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.
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.

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 period10 days
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
Employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.

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Hard Skills & Tools

embedded software developmentembedded C/C++low-level driversmiddlewareapplication-level softwarereal-time embedded systemsRTOSMicrosoft .NETsoftware and systems engineering principlesrequirements management

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationproblem solvingmentoringrisk managementcontinuous improvementcollaborationtechnical excellenceaccountabilityownership