Engineering Co-Op - Materials Science R&D

Engineering Co-Op - Materials Science R&D

Join to apply for the Engineering Co-Op - Materials Science R&D role at Cretex Companies, Inc.

About Cretex Medical Cretex Medical is a family of companies that provides manufacturing and engineering services to medical device OEMs. We offer a complete range of end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, the latest technologies, and the talent to match any manufacturing or engineering challenge. Learn more at

Position summary:

The Engineering Co-op will be responsible for providing technical support focusing on the research of processing parameter effects on the resultant metallurgy of nickel‑titanium (Nitinol) alloys. The Co-Op will assist the Engineering department with research and development (R&D) pertaining to metallurgical analysis and metrology.

This is a Co-op and will run from May 2026 – December 2026. This position will require onsite full‑time hours for the entire duration of the Co‑op; attending classes will not be possible.

• Provide internal customer technical support
• Part manufacturability technical support
• Assist with the implementation of process and design improvements
• Support and comply with the company Quality System, ISO, and medical device requirements
• Read, understand, and follow work instructions and standard work
• Partner with other business segments: sales/marketing, customer service, engineering, quality, and finance
• Understand customer needs and the core business markets we serve
• Ensure business systems are implemented, maintained, and functioning properly
• Participate in required company meetings
• Maintain an organized work area (5S)
• Participate in the Operational Excellence Program
• Complete all other work duties as assigned
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment

Minimum Requirements, Education & Experience (incl. KSA’s and certifications)

• Enrollment in a four‑year degree program for Manufacturing, Mechanical, Materials Science, or Industrial Engineering
• Ability to read blueprints
• Ability to use measuring devices
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and team building skills to create effective working relationships with suppliers, and coworkers
• Ability to follow through on commitments and hold team members accountable
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced team environment
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to travel to the twin cities 10 – 20 % of the time

• Previous experience cross‑sectioning specimens for metallurgical analysis
• Experience with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
• Previous experience working with Nitinol, similar shape memory alloys, or a strong background in material science
• Previous experience preparing collected data for conferences and/or publications
• Enrolled in graduate level engineering courses

Cretex Companies use cutting oils, solvents, and other chemicals in the manufacturing process. Testing is conducted on a periodic basis to ensure that all chemicals are kept well below the OSHA permissible exposure levels.

USD $25.00 – USD $25.00 /Hr.

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 % 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…