Jr Automation Manufacturing Engineer (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

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:

• 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

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…