Jr Automation Manufacturing Engineer (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

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

Are you interested in making a global impact? As a Jr Automation Manufacturing Engineer ​you will lead and support automation and process‑improvement initiatives that enhance equipment performance, product quality, and operational efficiency. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including R&D, DQE, QA, Supply Chain, Tooling & Automation, Manufacturing, and Regulatory—to define technical requirements, develop automated solutions, and ensure processes comply with the Quality Management System and applicable medical device regulations.

Your responsibilities include developing and optimizing automated systems, leading equipment and process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ), maintaining accurate master data, selecting components, and resolving technical issues. You will ensure manufacturing processes are stable, capable, and compliant while clearly communicating progress, risks, and results to stakeholders

This position is level P1 * Only for internal Candidates

What will you be doing?

• Lead automation and manufacturing engineering activities to ensure equipment, processes, and systems meet performance, reliability, and compliance requirements.

• Develop, deploy, and improve automated processes, including defining specifications, selecting components, and coordinating system integration

• Execute or support equipment and process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ), ensuring all documentation and testing comply with QMS and regulatory requirements.

• Support data‑driven problem solving, including root‑cause analysis, FMEA, and systematic troubleshooting to improve process capability and stability.

• Assess new technologies, automation platforms, and equipment upgrades; provide recommendations based on performance, cost, scalability, and business needs.

• Maintain accuracy of master data, BOMs, routings, and process documentation for automated equipment and manufacturing processes.

• Develop engineering protocols, technical procedures, and documentation supporting validation, configuration control, and continuous improvement.

• Lead continuous improvement activities using Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering tools to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and improve quality.

• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations, ensuring equipment uptime, process consistency, and timely issue resolution.

What will you need to be successful?

Successful candidates would need the following:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in: Mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field. (Required)

• Additional formal training in automation, robotics, control systems, or data analytics. (Preferred)

• English Proficiency: Intermediate.  (Required)

Experience:

• 1 year of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related fields.

• Experience in the medical device industry or other regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

Competencies:

ook.

• Working knowledge in automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, motion control, PLCs, sensors, or system integration.

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

• Ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot automated equipment and high‑volume processes.

• Working knowledge of CAD or automation‑related design software (SolidWorks or equivalent).

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

• Knowledge of MS Office packages such as: Word, Excel, Outlook.

Physical Demands:
 

Weightlifting

X Medium weight (5.1 kg – 30 kg)

Working position

X 50/50% sitting /standing

Repetitive Motion

X Mainly computer use

Chemical Exposure

X Don´t use

Physical risk (personal protective equipment PPE)

X Required ocasional use of PPE

You. Unlimited

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…

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