Research & Development Co-op (Austin, TX)

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

The R&D Co-op - New Product Development position will provide an outstanding, hands-on learning opportunity for a student pursuing a degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering that will help to develop next-generation technology for new or improved medical devices for the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) franchise at Smith+Nephew.

This position will require a highly-motivated and self-driven student to join our engineering team, working with a mix of experienced Mechanical and Electrical engineers to help design, prototype, build, test, and troubleshoot new product concepts, support the documentation, and overall development activities to help bring state-of-the-art technology to support minimally-invasive ENT surgical procedures.

The ideal candidate is a sophomore or higher-level student pursuing a Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering degree and must be able to work for two semesters consecutively (June to December) in a full-time capacity. Part-time coursework may be possible with manager approval, provided it does not interfere with a regular work schedule. The position will be based in Austin, Texas and requires regular onsite presence to support the prototyping and testing activities required for this position.

What will you be doing?

• Apply knowledge of engineering principles to help design, build, test, and troubleshoot new product concepts.
• Develop test methods and equipment, execute test protocols, and generate engineering test reports.
• Use 3D CAD software to help create/modify design for components and assemblies; also create drawings to support vendor quotes for custom components.
• Use rapid prototyping equipment and other methods to help prototype components for new product concepts.
• Work with onsite machine shop to help make components for new devices and/or fixtures to help support prototype assembly.
• Work closely with the engineering team to take on multiple technical activities, helping to solve unique challenges with engineering problem solving skills.
• Position may involve CFD (computational fluid modeling), and will utilize advanced test equipment for mechanical testing and other performance/safety testing of devices.
• Conduct benchtop performance testing to assess overall performance of new or modified devices.
• Work with internal and external resources to support procurement of materials and other items in support of research and development projects.
• Position may support onsite testing, as well as occasional work at outside 3rd party contract labs to support product testing.

Planned Start Date:2nd June, 2025
Program Length: 6 months
Location: Austin, TX

What will you need to be successful?

• Education:
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program, pursuing a Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering degree.
  • Must have completed Sophomore year or more.
  • GPA of at least 3.0 or higher strongly desired.
• Experience:
  • Prior work experience (internship, co-op, part-time, apprenticeship, or hands-on research lab experience) is preferred.
  • Understanding of core engineering principles and foundational coursework (through Sophomore year).
  • Some working knowledge of 3D CAD software and basic prototyping and assembly methods
  • Strong hands-on experience in other activities (hobbies, work, and/or school research projects) and interest in doing lab-based engineering work
  • Experience executing lab testing, writing test protocols and/or reports, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions from the data.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills and ability to prioritize multiple activities.
  • .
• Physical Demands:
  • Weight / Lifting: Light/moderate (up to 10 kg).
  • Position: Sitting at desk or working in an R&D lab (may be sitting or standing)
  • Repetitive Motion: Computer use and variety of lab equipment
  • Chemical Exposure: May use chemicals sometimes in a day with appropriate safety equipment
  • Physical Risk (Personal Protective Equipment-PPE): Occasional use of PPE required

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating thegreatest good for society. Our strongest investmentsare in our people and thepatients we serve.

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity- We are committed to welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/ ).

Other reasons why you will love it here!

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.