Randstad, as the EMEA Johnson & Johnson talent acquisition partner, is responsible for finding and contracting talent for the contingent roles at Johnson & Johnson. If you are selected for a role you will be engaged or employed by one of the Randstad recruitment companies in EMEA and will not be an employee of Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson

Automation Systems Project Engineer

Posted Nov 6, 2026
Job ID: JJJP00027254
Location
Courcelles
Hours/week
40 hrs/week
Timeline
1 year
Payrate range
Unknown

Automation Systems Project Engineer

Location: Courcelles EDC, Belgium (Hybrid - target 4 days on site; on site presence at least 4 days/week, increasing during integration testing, SAT, cutover and hypercare, plus travel to supplier sites for FAT)

Languages: English and French

Duration: Start ASAP and contract running until March 2028

Hours: 40 hours per week (100% engagement; 80% freelancers can be considered)

Imagine your next project driving cutting-edge warehouse automation and digital integration at the European Distribution Centre to revolutionize medical supply chain performance.

Act as the Automation Systems Engineer for two strategic automation initiatives at the J&J MedTech European Distribution Centre (EDC): 401 Automation and Automated Packaging, reporting to the EMEA MedTech Engineering Senior Project Engineer. Support the integration of automation technologies into the warehouse control system (WCS), from functional design and interface definition through integration testing, cutover, go-live and hyper care. Make sure order, task and status data flow reliably between the WCS, the goods-to-person system, the packaging machine and the existing sorter. Work with the Automation Equipment Engineer, WCS supplier, OEMs, IT/JJT, Operations and Quality so the integrated solution meets throughput, availability, data integrity and GxP requirements. The Senior Project Engineer retains accountability for project controls, cost reporting and governance.

Project Overview (Project Morpheus): Delivering an integrated automated packaging solution at the Courcelles EDC, incorporating automated packaging equipment, material handling, controls, and integration with existing warehouse systems and infrastructure to improve operational performance and support future volume growth.

Project scope:

  • 401 Automation: Goods-to-person storage and picking automation, including robots, workstations, vertical lifts and conveyors, with the robot management system integrated into the WCS and eWM for putaway, picking, replenishment and cycle counting.

  • Automated Packaging: Right-sized automated packaging to support PPWR compliance, with WCS control of cubing data, machine infeed, verification and weigh checks, invoice insertion, label application and routing to the existing sorter.

Recommended seniority: Senior Automation Systems / Controls Integration Engineer, roughly 7-12+ years. The role must challenge supplier functional designs, own interface agreements and lead integration testing through to stable operation. A junior engineer risks becoming a test witness; a solution architect or engineering manager is excessive unless given wider site systems accountability.

roles and responsibilities

  • Integrating the Warehouse Control System with IT, managing vendor connections, and bridging physical and digital components (spanning both hardware/equipment and digital/IT infrastructure).

  • Integration requirements and functional design: Define WCS functional requirements for both projects, covering order release, task allocation, transport unit routing, replenishment, cubing data and exception handling. Map end-to-end process flows with Operations, the WCS supplier and OEMs.

  • Interface definition: Own interface control documents between eWM, the WCS, the robot management system, PLCs, the packaging machine and the sorter. Agree message structures, data mapping, handshakes, timing, error codes and fault recovery.

  • IT/OT architecture and cybersecurity: Define the IT/OT architecture with IT/JJT and ISRM, including servers, networks, controls integration, access management, backup and disaster recovery. Confirm safety-related signals between WCS-controlled zones with EHS.

  • Integration testing and validation: Lead interface, integration and end-to-end testing through FAT, SAT and performance runs. Support CSV/GxP validation, traceability and controlled change. Track defects to closure.

  • Go-live and support: Plan cutover, data migration and fallback. Lead hyper care until stability targets are met. Define the support model, monitoring, KPIs and alarm handling, then hand over to Operations and IT support.

  • Deliver WCS functional specification and end-to-end process flows for 401 Automation and Automated Packaging.

  • Deliver interface control documents and data mapping for eWM, WCS, robot management system, PLCs, packaging machine and sorter.

  • Deliver IT/OT architecture, network and cybersecurity design approved by IT/JJT and ISRM.

  • Deliver integration and end-to-end test protocols, results and defect closure log, with CSV traceability.

  • Deliver cutover, fallback and hyper care plan for each project.

  • Deliver support model, monitoring dashboard, KPI definitions and handover pack for each project.


how to succeed

  • 8+ years in warehouse automation, WCS/WES or controls integration across distribution, logistics or manufacturing.

  • Proven delivery of WCS integration from functional design through integration testing, FAT, SAT, cutover, go-live and hyper care.

  • Strong knowledge of WMS, WCS and PLC interfaces, including message-based integration (e.g. TCP/IP telegrams, REST APIs, OPC UA), data mapping, handshakes and exception handling.

  • Ability to read PLC logic and system logs and diagnose faults across software, controls and equipment layers.

  • Experience in a regulated or quality-controlled environment, applying GxP, computerised system validation (e.g. GAMP 5) and change control.

  • Fluent English and French language skills.

  • The ability to communicate clearly across Engineering, IT, Operations, Quality, suppliers and OEMs.

  • Ability to be present on site at least 4 days/week, increasing during integration testing, SAT, cutover and hyper care, plus travel to supplier sites for FAT.

  • Experience with SAP EWM integration, including MFS or IDoc-based interfaces (nice-to-have).

  • Familiarity with Geek+, Swisslog, Körber, Knapp, Dematic or similar WCS/WES platforms (nice-to-have).

  • Experience with goods-to-person, AMR/AGV, conveyors, sorters and automated packaging (nice-to-have).

  • Competence with SQL, scripting and log analysis for troubleshooting; Siemens or Rockwell PLC platforms (nice-to-have).

  • Knowledge of IT/OT network design and industrial cybersecurity (IEC 62443) (nice-to-have).

  • Experience with emulation or simulation tools for virtual commissioning; MedTech, pharmaceutical or GMP experience (nice-to-have).


benefits

This role offers a very competitive hourly rate. This contract will run for ASAP - March 2028.

you are welcome here

Johnson & Johnson MedTech is working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and each and every one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are.

about Johnson & Johnson MedTech

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalised.

application process

We are looking to process the first round of applications within the next 2 working days. We do not accept applications via email or LinkedIn InMail - you must apply direct to this advert.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

For more than 130 years, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) have been part of our cultural fabric at Johnson & Johnson and woven into how we do business every day. Our commitment to respect the dignity and diversity of all is embedded in our Credo. We know that the success of our business depends on having the best talent in a workforce that reflects the diverse markets we serve around the world and an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and life experiences. That is why we are working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson means “You Belong”.