Manufacturing Engineer I – Production Process Improvement

About the role

MedPlast is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to support on‑site production at its Zona Franca Metropolitana facility in Barreal, Heredia. The role focuses on improving manufacturing processes, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Provide engineering support across assembly, printing, quality, and special projects to enhance process performance.
• Design and implement fixturing, tooling, and manufacturing methodologies that increase efficiency.
• Analyze current methods, identify non‑value‑added steps, and prototype new processes.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, value‑stream mapping, error proofing, one‑piece flow, and set‑up time reduction.
• Lead process‑improvement projects targeting quality, productivity, and cost reductions.
• Support product launches, process transfers, relocations, and changes.
• Ensure adherence to GMP, SOPs, FDA, and ISO regulations, and promote EHS initiatives.
• Drive investigations for non‑conformances, CAPAs, and audit findings.

Required profile

• Engineering background with experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to develop and prototype process improvements.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO) and quality systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and support campus‑wide initiatives.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing techniques (5S, Kaizen, Kanban, value‑stream mapping, error proofing, one‑piece flow, set‑up time reduction, balanced work flow).
• Design and implementation of fixturing and tooling.
• Knowledge of GMP, SOPs, FDA and ISO standards.
• Process analysis and continuous improvement.