Engineering Co-Op - Materials Science R&D

About Cretex Medical

Cretex Medical is a family of companies that provides manufacturing and engineering services to medical device OEMs. We offer a complete range of end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, the latest technologies, and the talent to match any manufacturing or engineering challenge. Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

Position summary

The Engineering Co-op will be responsible for providing technical support focusing on the research of processing parameter effects on the resultant metallurgy of nickel-titanium (Nitinol) alloys. The Co-Op will assist the Engineering department with research and development (R&D) pertaining to metallurgical analysis and metrology.  

Essential Job Functions                                                                

• Provide internal customer technical support
• Part manufacturability technical support
• Assist with the implementation of process and design improvements
• Support and comply with the company Quality System, ISO, and medical device requirements
• Read, understand, and follow work instructions and standard work
• Partner with other business segments:  sales/marketing, customer service, engineering, quality, and finance
• Understand customer needs and the core business markets we serve
• Ensure business systems are implemented, maintained, and functioning properly
• Participate in required company meetings
• Maintain an organized work area (5S)
• Participate in the Operational Excellence Program
• Complete all other work duties as assigned
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment

Minimum Requirements, Education & Experience (incl. KSA’s and certifications)

• Enrollment in a four-year degree program for Manufacturing, Mechanical, Materials Science, or Industrial Engineering
• Ability to read blueprints
• Ability to use measuring devices
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and team building skills to create effective working relationships with suppliers, and coworkers
• Ability to follow through on commitments and holds team members accountable
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to travel to the twin cities 10-20% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience cross-sectioning specimens for metallurgical analysis
• Experience with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
• Previous experience working with Nitinol, similar shape memory alloys, or a strong background in material science
• Previous experience preparing collected data for conferences and/or publications
• Enrolled in graduate level engineering courses

Physical & Environmental Demands

Cretex Companies use cutting oils, solvents, and other chemicals in the manufacturing process.  Testing is conducted on a periodic basis to ensure that all chemicals are kept well below the OSHA permissible exposure levels.

All Employees:

Our 401k retirement savings plan with a company match contribution; onsite health clinics, discretionary holiday bonus program (based on years of service), Cretex University, 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost, wellness program with incentives, an employee death benefit, and employee sick and safe leave are available to all Cretex employees. 

20+hours:

Cretex’s medical benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with access to virtual providers; dental insurance (Little Partners Dental benefit covers services 100 percent for children 12 and younger when seen by a Health Partners in network provider); vision insurance; a pre-tax health savings account, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts; paid holidays, paid time off; and our discretionary profit sharing program are available to employees working 20+ hours/week. 

30+ hours:

Parental Leave, accident and critical illness benefits, optional employee, spouse, and child life; short and long term disability; company provided life insurance; and tuition assistance programs are available to employees working 30+ hours per week. 

(Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other protected status as required by law.  

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.