Manufacturing Engineer I, turno 1 (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

Life Unlimited. At Smith and Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living

As a Manufacturing Engineer I, you will play a key role in providing technical support to medical device production lines, with a primary focus on automation, process improvements, and business-driven initiatives.

Your expertise in manufacturing processes and qualifications/validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) will contribute to the efficient execution of programs while ensuring full compliance with the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and international medical device standards.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality, and Automation, taking ownership of assigned deliverables through all stages of the program life cycle

What will you be doing?

• KPIs accomplishment: Met annual corporate objectives to achieve established milestones and generate a positive impact on the company’s financial performance.

• Validation Execution: Develop and execute equipment, fixture, or basic process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ/Process Validations) to ensure seamless implementation within the manufacturing line.

• Process Optimization & Support: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance stability. Maintain proactive communication with Operational Personnel to coordinate technical support for tooling and equipment.

• Quality Partnership: Maintain a direct collaborative relationship with the Quality Department to facilitate joint decision-making regarding specifications, raw materials, blueprints, and final product requirements.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with all corporate departments to facilitate the flow of internal and external information as required.

• Technical Problem Solving: Conduct fundamental technical analyses to provide timely and appropriate resolutions for product or component-related issues.

• Documentation: Generate and maintain Manufacturing Product Instructions (MPIs), Bills of Materials (BOMs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and Routers to ensure accurate documentation within the Agile system.

• Business software: Demonstrate proficiency in basic electronic systems functions to extract necessary daily operational data.

• Workplace Culture: Uphold professional integrity, accountability and respect toward all employees to foster an excellent work environment.

• Policy Adherence: Strictly follow all requirements outlined in Corporate Induction Manuals, Safety and Quality protocols, and internal company policies.

• Interpersonal Agility: Demonstrate the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with personnel at all organizational levels.

• QMS Compliance: Adhere to all requirements, tasks, and obligations mandated by the Quality Management System (QMS). This includes effective management of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and strict compliance with quality standards and procedures.

• EHS & Occupational Health: Comply with the implementation of Occupational Health standards and programs. This includes performing duties safely, utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE), and proactively identifying improvements to mitigate incidents or occupational illnesses that could impact personnel or company assets.

• Asset Management & Confidentiality: Safeguard all documentation, confidential information, equipment, tools, and raw materials related to the work area. This prevents incidents that could disrupt productivity, cause financial impact, or result in a breach of trust with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.

What will you need to be successful?

Successful candidates would need the following:

Education:

• Internal Applicant 50% progress in an Engineering related career or Technician degree in a relevant engineering field plus 30% progress in an Engineering related career.  

• External Applicant >80% of completion in an Engineering related career

Experience

• Internal Applicant: less 5 years of demonstrated experience in production/sustaining related tasks at S+N.

• External Applicant: Not required

Competency needs applicable to the job

• Languages: Intermediate English (60% Conversational / 70% Written).

• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Minitab, and design software such as SolidWorks preferred.

• Core Competencies: Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and Value Stream Mapping.

• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances (GD&T) and technical problem-solving regarding process changes.

• Soft Skills: Ability to work under pressure, initiative/proactivity, and the ability to raise technical problems to Engineering Management or R&D counterparts.

Physical Demands:

• Weightlifting: Medium weight (5.1 kg – 30 kg).

• Working Position: 50/50% Sitting / Standing.

• Repetitive Motion: Mainly computer use.

Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/

Other reasons why you will love it here!

• Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave,  

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…