Lab automation engineer - Systems integration and robotics

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:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Chemical Research

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium

Job Description:

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine

We are looking for a hands-on lab automation systems integrator to build and deploy advanced lab automation systems in Johnson & Johnson’s Chemical Process R&D organization in Beerse, Belgium.

You will join the NeXT-gen experimentation (NXT) team that designs, deploys, and maintains advanced lab automation solutions and self-driving labs for organic chemistry and biocatalysis. You will focus on integrating third-party equipment (robots, lab automation equipment, analytical devices, mechatronics, safety systems) into robust, scalable systems, and drive projects from concept to deployed solution.

We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all requirements. The selected candidate will have opportunities to develop and expand their expertise in other areas.

What you will do:

• Design and build integrated lab automation systems from third-party equipment and custom components for different applications across process R&D (organic synthesis, work‑up, and biocatalysis). You will do this in close collaboration with chemists, microbiologists, engineers, system vendors, and commercial integrators.

• Lead system integration (mechanical layout, interfaces, safety, and control architecture).

• Lead detailed design, build, and deployment phases in close collaboration with vendors and integrators. This includes ownership of user requirement specification (URS), factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT).

• Troubleshoot complex issues across hardware and control layers.

• Identify new automation opportunities and pilot new solutions.

Who you are:

• MSc in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, industrial automation, or other relevant domain. PhD with hands-on experience in a relevant field will also be considered.

• Proven experience building and integrating automation systems.

• Experience with system design, interfaces, debugging, and debottlenecking of complex systems.

• Basic programming skills (e.g., Python, PLC, robot scripting).

• Experience working with vendors and/or integrators is a strong plus.

• Experience with CAD, rapid prototyping, and fabrication is highly desirable.

• Pragmatic mindset and enjoys working as a generalist across multiple domains (hardware, software, IT/OT, safety, scientific application).

Our offer:

You will become part of an ambitious and innovative team that works on the interface of science, technology, an IT. Furthermore, at J&J you will get:

• Contributing to our mission to continue to bring transformational new medicines to patients.

• Being part of a motivated and experienced research team in an innovative working environment through mentoring programs, e-university and on the job training. We ensure your personal development in a global company.

• A competitive salary, on-site sport accommodations, health/energy programs, and other benefits for you and your family.

• Flexible working hours (40 h/week), no fixed holiday planning with many holidays, and the possibility to work at home for non-laboratory related tasks.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Chemistry, Collaborating, Critical Thinking, Data Quality, Drug Discovery Development, Emerging Technologies, Execution Focus, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Interdisciplinary Work, Pharmaceutical Trends, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Quantitative Research, Research Ethics, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy

  

The anticipated base pay range for this position is:

€75,500.00 - €117,300.00

Benefits:

In addition to base pay, we offer the following benefits*: an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location, where the actual amount is based on the employees’ and companies’ performance of the previous calendar year, or sales commissions. Moreover, we offer vacation days, parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave, well-being reimbursement, programs for financial, physical and mental health. We also offer service anniversary and recognition awards, and subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees - and in some location’s eligible dependents - can participate in several insurance plans. For more information, visit Employee benefits | Supporting well-being & career growth | Johnson & Johnson Careers.

*This is for informative purposes only. Amounts and actual benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.