Vice President, Research & Development – Capital and Software Systems

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:

R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:

Multi-Family R&D Product Development

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Irvine, California, United States of America, Milpitas, California, United States of America

Job Description:

Vice President, Research & Development – Capital and Software Systems

Locations: Irvine, CA or Milpitas, CA

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of vision treatments? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how vision is improved? Our Vision team solves the toughest health challenges. Help combine cutting-edge insights, science, technology, and people to encourage eye care professionals and patients to proactively protect, correct and enhance healthy sight for life. Our products and services address these needs – from the pediatric to aging eye – in a patient’s lifetime. Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/medtech

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President, Research & Development – Capital and Software Systems to be based out of Irvine, CA or Milpitas, CA. 

Purpose:

The Vice President, Research & Development – Equipment serves as the senior innovation leader responsible for the end to end R&D strategy and execution across the Cataract and Refractive portfolios. This includes capital equipment, laser platforms, software, digital and data enabled ecosystems, and associated accessories and disposables.

This role is accountable for shaping and delivering a bold, future forward R&D strategy that accelerates breakthrough, disruptive, and category defining innovation across the surgical continuum. The VP will own the creation, prioritization, and advancement of a balanced innovation portfolio spanning core product evolution, next generation platforms, digital and software enabled solutions, and long horizon transformational technologies, while ensuring strong linkage to clinical outcomes, surgeon experience, and business strategy.

You will be responsible for:

Breakthrough & Transformational Innovation Leadership

• Champion and deliver a breakthrough innovation agenda across Cataract and Refractive Surgery platforms, including capital equipment, lasers, software, and digital solutions.
• Provide visionary leadership that enables bold innovation choices, disciplined portfolio investment, and thoughtful long term technology bets.
• Drive rapid experimentation, platform evolution, and transformation across hardware, software, and integrated digital ecosystems.
• Foster external innovation through partnerships, technology scouting, and ecosystem engagement.

Portfolio Strategy & Long Term Pipeline Development

• Set the R&D vision and strategic direction for the Cataract & Refractive portfolio, aligned with clinical needs, customer insights, and enterprise strategy.
• Lead development of an integrated, multi year roadmap that connects core innovation, next generation platforms, and transformational opportunities.
• Ensure strong governance, prioritization, and trade off decisions across programs, balancing speed, risk, and impact.
• Partner closely with Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical teams to ensure robust development pathways and successful global launches.

Cross Functional Integration & Execution

• Collaborate closely