Laser Engineer

Job Location: VitalPath in New Hope & Cokato, MN

General Summary:

The Laser Engineer is responsible for the effective, efficient, and safe operation of laser cutting equipment in the manufacture of components for tightly toleranced and highly critical medical devices in the New Hope and 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
• Ability to determine the best type of laser and settings for various materials and types of cutting requirements
• Knowledge of various cleaning and post-processing steps tied to laser processing of materials
• Troubleshoot problems with programming, laser set up or laser functions to resolve issues that impact the production of components
• Works with laser technicians, set up technicians and operators during component manufacture
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers – especially related to the use of laser processing to manufacture components for medical devices
• Provide verbal and written communications with internal/external customers
• 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
• 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
• Maintain and encourage other to maintain a clean and orderly work area
• Research and recommend capital equipment for the yearly budget
• Performs duties in a manner to promote good department morale with the team

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Associates Degree in laser manufacturing or related technical/scientific field of study
• 3 years hands-on laser processing with high tolerance cutting and drilling of metals and/or polymers
• 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
• Ability to work on multiple tasks/projects concurrently
• Able to 

Preferred

• Experience in medical product mfg. / assembly operations /ISO & FDA requirements/ GMP preferred
• Good data analysis skills, and knowledge in the use of statistical tools in problem solving is preferred
• Experience with laser welding
• Experience with using laser processing for removal of coating from wire and/or braided shafts

Physical Requirements

• 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 and/or travel to customer/vendor facilities
• Requires full plant mobility during the work schedule and ability to lift small tooling up to 25 lbs
• 40+ hours per week as required, weekend possible

Benefits: Medical, dental, retirement plan, disability, life insurance, paid holidays, and PTO