Sr. Principal R&d Laser Engineer - Shockwave Medical

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Santa Clara, CA +1

This role is for a Sr. Principal R&D Laser Engineer focused on developing and testing advanced laser systems and optical components for medical devices in the cardiovascular disease treatment sector. The position requires deep technical expertise in laser technologies, product development, supplier management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The role involves leading new product development, root-cause analysis, intellectual property contribution, and mentoring other engineers.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and evaluate advanced medical laser systems and optical components in compliance with the company’s Design Control procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
  2. Lead new product development efforts and perform root‑cause analysis to resolve technical issues.
  3. Identify, manage, and qualify suppliers of key optical and laser components.
  4. Serve as a subject‑matter expert (SME) on cross‑functional product development teams, supporting projects from concept through transfer to the PDP team.
  5. Maintain current knowledge of competitive technologies, as well as medical, technical, and biomedical advancements relevant to the company’s products.

Skills

Required

  • Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Optical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Biomedical Engineering
  • 15+ years’ engineering experience in laser system design, development, and integration in the medical device industry
  • Hands-on experience with optical alignment, optical component selection, and optical testing
  • Deep knowledge of medical laser technologies, including gas, solid‑state, semiconductor, and fiber lasers
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for optical, electrical, and thermal system issues
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to patents, intellectual property strategy, or advanced research initiatives
  • Effective communication skills, written and verbal, with all levels of management and organizations
  • Strong understanding of engineering materials, component selection, and design for reliability and manufacturability
  • Operate independently and adaptability to changing requirements
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities
  • Previous experience successfully acting as a technical lead on a product development project

Nice to have

  • Experience with catheter development is a plus
  • Previous experience leading cross functional teams is preferred

What the JD emphasized

  • medical device industry
  • laser system design, development, and integration
  • optical alignment, optical component selection, and optical testing
  • medical laser technologies
  • laser safety standards and medical device quality requirements
  • contributing to patents, intellectual property strategy, or advanced research initiatives