Production Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About Cretex Medical

Cretex Medical is a leading contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for the medical device industry.  Our customers view us as a trusted partner in the areas of injection molding, laser processing, metal stamping and device assembly.  Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

Position Summary 

The Product Engineer III - Nitinol is responsible for providing technical expertise and hands-on execution in support of nitinol component and device development, including the design, specification, validation, and manufacturing support of assigned product, components, and assemblies. This role  partners with the product team, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and commercial teams to translate product and technology strategies into practical project plans, technical deliverables, and process improvements. The Product Engineer serves as the engineering engine of the team, executing day-to-day technical activities including New Product Introductions (NPI), customer-specific application development, testing, troubleshooting, capability development, and documentation. This role also generates accurate technical data and specifications required for fast, margin-conscious quoting. Applying materials expertise, process knowledge, and engineering judgment, the Product Engineer serves as a trusted technical resource, identifying execution needs, risks, and technical gaps that may impact project success while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance requirements.

Customer & Market-Focused Engineering

• Partner with product and commercial teams to understand customer and market needs, then support the execution of technical improvements that strengthen Cretex's capabilities in medtech segments requiring nitinol components.
• Deliver strategic initiatives by developing and executing technical action plans, completing assigned engineering deliverables, and communicating progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Support quoting activities for new business by reviewing technical requirements, identifying process assumptions, and providing engineering input on feasibility, risks, and development needs.
• Collaborate with customers on their designs as early as possible to influence optimal development and process capability.

Engineering Documentation & Compliance

• Support the engineering team on necessary documentation, including specifications, material requirements, drawings, and test plans.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, ISO 13485, and other relevant standards throughout the product lifecycle.

Product Development, Validation & Technical Execution

• Execute and support comprehensive test plans, with input from other engineering resources, to validate performance of new or improved capabilities in terms of reliability, safety, manufacturability, and scalability.
• Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and recommend design improvements based on findings.
• Provide technical support during production, addressing engineering-related issues that arise.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, product management, and commercial teams to align technical execution with product goals, project timelines, and customer requirements.

Project Management & Reporting

• Manage assigned technical workstreams and multiple project priorities concurrently, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and adherence to project milestones.
• Report on project status and engineering metrics to stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Expertise

• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in medical device design and manufacturing.
• Identify and implement tactical process improvements to enhance product quality, manufacturability, efficiency, and technical capability.
• Build technical expertise in Nitinol processing to become a trusted internal resource for laser cutting, shape-setting, electropolishing, material characterization, and process troubleshooting.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Biomedical, or a related field); Master's degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in engineering, specifically within the medical device industry.
• Advanced working knowledge of engineering principles with the ability to apply them to tactical project execution, problem solving, testing, and process improvement.
• Strong knowledge of medical device regulations, quality systems, and risk management processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and familiarity with simulation tools.
• Experience with materials selection, manufacturing processes, and product testing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Continuing Education; including participation in local chapters, associations, and/or organizations.
• Experience working in contract manufacturing, medical device manufacturing (ISO 13485/FDA regulated)
• Experience working with Nitinol manufacturing process development.

What is it like to work at Cretex Medical?

We recognize the contribution of every individual and promote growth, safety and security for all our employees. Cretex Medical values performance and pays competitive wages along with a rich benefit package. We offer a positive work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

Here are some of things that employees have said about working for Cretex Medical:

• "The culture at Cretex is collaborative. Everyone here is willing to help you whether it is a director, a machinist, or your boss. Everyone is always willing to help you figure out a project and get it done right."
• "I would tell potential interns that Cretex is a great company to work for. It has set a high bar for corporate culture as well as the quality of work you can do. I would definitely recommend it."
• "I learned that I really like the medical device industry. The importance and the gravity of what we do here is felt by the employees. You can have that passion in your work because you know what you are striving for is to save lives."

We encourage you to explore the many opportunities Cretex Medical can offer you as a valued team member.

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This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions within this job grade, based on our market-based pay structures. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full hiring range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

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.