R&D Laser Engineer

Join VitalPath in Cokato as a R&D Laser Engineer!
About VitalPath
VitalPath is a trusted partner in the catheter design and manufacturing of custom medical devices that save lives and restore patient health and vital function. We’re excited about this important work and bring vital energy to our customer partnerships. In our growing organization it’s important that we continue to offer a small-company, family-oriented environment with competitive pay and benefits. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives and be a part of a friendly, fun place to work with people that value diversity, come join our team!
About the Position
The R&D Laser Engineer will be working with laser manufacturing equipment in a medical device environment. The individual is responsible for the effective, efficient, and safe operation of laser cutting equipment in the manufacture of components for tightly tolerance and highly critical medical devices in the Cokato Facility. This person will be responsible for helping our customers solve complex manufacturing challenges with their knowledge in the use of lasers to manufacture and machine both metal and polymer components that will be used in medical devices. They will be able to effectively communicate with customers and demonstrate the value of the company’s expertise and capabilities for laser processing.
Responsibilities

• Development of laser programming, processes and associated hardware with both metals and polymers in flat and round stock to exacting standards as requested on customer blueprints
• Support production in the laser processing of medical components by creating efficient, effective and repeatable processes
• Determine the best type of laser and settings for various materials and types of cutting requirements
• Troubleshoot problems with programming, laser set up or laser functions to resolve issues that impact the production of components
• Work with laser technicians, set up technicians and operators during component manufacturing
• Collaborate and communicate with internal and external customers – especially related to the use of laser processing to manufacture components for medical devices
• Work with purchasing to order components, tools, and equipment as required
• Write manufacturing procedures and provide training as required
• Perform characterizations, IQ’s, OQ’s, PQ’s, and validations
• Read schematics, assembly drawings, data sheets, and work instructions to perform testing, and setup fixturing
• Develop, assemble, or modify existing and new tooling, fixtures, and equipment
• Inspect products and processes for flaws and identify areas of improvement via magnification or measurement equipment
• Create product test plans and validate processes as required by FDA and ISO standards
• Evaluate customer requests for quotes and provide input on capability and estimates on effort for development as well as likely throughput and yield
• Interface with Quality to develop inspection procedures to verify acceptability of components
• Demonstrates responsibility for department efficiency, quality, pre-production planning, process control, corrective actions, cleanliness and safety
• Ensures that job BOM’s are accurate and tooling is ordered on timely manner
• Maintain and promote laser and team safety
• Research and recommend capital equipment for the yearly budget
• Performs duties in a manner to promote good department morale with the team
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical/scientific field of study
• 3 years of hands-on laser processing with high tolerance cutting and drilling of metals and/or polymers
• Good technical writing skills as applied to test reports and manufacturing work instructions
• Self-motivated and capable of working in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Well-developed mechanical ability and basic problem-solving skills
• Basic skills with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook
• Good verbal communication skills
• Good dexterity and hand to eye coordination working with small parts
• Able to use microscope in a standing or sitting position
• Possible customer/vendor interaction
• May require travel to customer/vendor facilities or travel to other local MN VitalPath locations
• Requires full plant mobility during the work schedule
• Ability to lift small tooling up to 25 lbs

• Ability to prepare product and tooling drawings using SolidWorks/AutoCAD
• Ability to read, understand complex blueprints including working GD&T knowledge
• Possess a high level of mechanical aptitude and quickly learns from a broad array of information
• Good team skills - a high level of enthusiasm and motivation, and the ability to take input from others
• Knowledge of various cleaning and post-processing steps tied to laser processing of materials
• Ability to work on multiple tasks/projects concurrently
• Experience in medical device manufacturing including assembly operations, ISO & FDA requirements and GMP knowledge
• Good data analysis skills, and knowledge in the use of statistical tools in problem solving
• Experience with laser welding
• Experience with using laser processing for removal of coating from wire and/or braided shafts

• Comprehensive, Low Cost Health and Dental Insurance Plans Available
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Supplemental insurances (short term disability, AD&D, life insurance, and more)
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401K with company match
• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement

VitalPath is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, work related mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. VitalPath participates in E-Verify.