R&D Leadership Development Program
Designed for engineering students, the Research and Development Leadership Development Program at J&J helps aspiring tech leaders develop the skills, business acumen and cross-functional expertise to create products and solutions that impact patients' lives. Eager to build a career at the forefront of healthcare innovation? Join us to shape the future and be part of what’s next.
What is J&J’s R&D leadership program?
Our R&D training program is a two-year full-time rotational learning experience for graduate students focused on medical device and medtech innovation. Open to engineering graduate students in the U.S., our R&D leadership program is an opportunity for you to:
- Lead or contribute to major projects while helping to advance medical devices through our pipeline, from R&D toward commercialization
- Work across product design, development, manufacturing and commercialization, applying skills such as simulation and kinematics modeling, stack-up and tolerance analysis, and more
- Help develop automated medical devices, including instruments and advanced imaging and user interfaces
- Earn internal and externally recognized qualifications—such as Design of Experiments (DOE) and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)—in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
What are the application requirements for our R&D leadership program?
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Enrolled in a graduate-level engineering program, on track to earn a master's degree
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Preferred majors: bioengineering, computer, electrical, mechanical, materials science, robotics, systems, software and optical engineering
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Preferred previous experience: machine learning, IoT, embedded software, prototyping, robot design, systems reliability, and firmware or hardware integration
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Demonstrated track record of strong academic performance
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Leadership experience preferred; prior J&J R&D internship a plus
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Willingness to relocate within the U.S. for rotations
Where is the J&J R&D leadership program offered program offered?
Where is the J&J R&D leadership program offered?
The program is currently available to engineering graduate students in the U.S.
Latest R&D and engineering leadership program jobs
Program application windows vary, so if you don’t see any openings right now, set up a job alert—and be the first to know when new opportunities become available. Program details may also vary depending on where you work or study. Check the job description to learn more.
Interested in a R&D or engineering internship?
Our 12-week summer R&D internship is an immersive introduction to the field.
- High performers may be invited to join the full-time leadership development program after graduation
- The internship is currently available in the U.S.
Program details may also vary depending on where you work or study. Check the job description to learn more.
A winning workplace for students and new graduates
Ready to join a team where you can grow your career and make an impact? Here are a few of the ways our employees and leading career experts consistently recognize J&J as one of the best places to work for innovators and people early in their careers.
- World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 – Fortune magazine
- Best Workplaces for Innovators 2025 – Fast Company
- Best Brands for Social Impact 2025 – Forbes magazine
- AIQ 50 “The companies leading the way in AI” 2025 – Fortune magazine
- Early Talent Awards 2025 – Handshake
Join our Global Talent Hub
This is how we meet and keep in touch with students, new grads and early career professionals around the world. It's the first place our recruiters look when they have a new job. Share your career experience and goals, connect with our recruiters and more.
