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Nextern

Designs and manufactures medical devices

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/17/2026
$130k - $165k
Expert
Bachelor's
Maple Grove, MN, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Process EngineeringManufacturing Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years of experience in medical device manufacturing engineering.
  • Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control and lean manufacturing, and understanding of medical device validation processes including Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, and Performance Qualification.
  • Thorough understanding of ISO 13485:2016 Medical Device Quality Management System.
  • Experience with metal-based components, assemblies, and processing.
Responsibilities
  • Lead manufacturing process development and validation activities, including engineering protocols, IQ, OQ, PQ reports, bills of materials, assembly instructions, manufacturing instructions, and procedures.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize medical device manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production while maintaining quality standards.
  • Write, review, and maintain manufacturing procedures, work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, and process specifications in compliance with FDA regulations and ISO 13485 standards.
  • Design, develop, and implement manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and equipment for medical device production, ensuring proper functionality and compliance with design controls.
  • Lead root cause analysis investigations, implement corrective and preventive actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
  • Work closely with Quality Assurance, R&D, and Production teams to ensure seamless product launches.

About the company

Nextern designs and manufactures medical devices for equipment makers, with engineering and factory teams involved from early prototypes through production. Its work includes catheter-based instruments and electronic systems used in minimally invasive treatment and diagnostic procedures. Customers pay for development and contract manufacturing services, with project costs shaped by device complexity, materials and production scale. Its clinical markets include vascular and heart interventions and nerve stimulation, with services sold separately or as an integrated program. Founded in 2000 with industrial engineering roots, Nextern shifted to medical devices in 2016 and is headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Maple Grove, MN

Founded

2000

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Advisory broadens the business: Nextern launched dedicated regulatory, clinical and quality consulting services in June 2026.
  • New programs expand career scope: Nextern's CEO reported additional programs and staff additions in July 2026.
  • Engineers gain leadership scope: Nextern's senior software role specifies smaller-project ownership and mentoring junior engineers.

What critics are saying

  • Development programs require patience: Nextern describes medical-device commercialization as taking several months to several years.
  • Remote flexibility is limited: Nextern's October 2026 Maple Grove senior software posting explicitly requires on-site work.
  • Supply reliability needs daily intervention: Nextern's Vietnam procurement role monitors shortages and negotiates supplier production capacity.

What makes Nextern unique

  • Testing simulates living circulation: Nextern's BioSimulation Lab evaluates catheter deployment in a pressurized heart model with physician feedback.
  • Interfaces reuse Nextern technology: NextGUI supplies a base software platform for home-use and in-clinic medical devices.
  • Prototype access avoids order thresholds: Nextern's NPX division accepts precision-component production work without product minimums.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation
  • Gym Membership
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Training Programs
  • Company Social Events