Final Co-op Experience at Viant Medical
Selia
Experience Information
Employer: Viant Medical
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Viant Medical is a contract manufacturer of medical devices. The devices built range from several different categories of the medical field. There is a global presence to the company, with sites in Costa Rica, France, Germany, and more. There are sites that specialize in process development, specific material types, manufacturing, and packaging.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I wrote and edited several types of documents including but not limited to: component specifications, item masters, qualification protocols and reports, work instructions, fixture files, formal information collections, etc. I also owned several trackers for component procurement, drawing revisions, all documentation (500+) involved in the new product launch, and more. I worked closely with my project team on designing equipment and their stations with integrators to make them ready for the line and process development. Worked with supply chain to gather supplier information and documentation to get them as an approved supplier through Viant, ensuring they can meet all of the specifications needed by the customer on their drawings. I also created a tracker to track component inventory and first article inspection data.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience I gained knowledge in not only the manufacturing field, but also design. The project that I was a part of required working with the customer and integrators on design of equipment. I now know that if I were to enter the field of product design, I could provide insight on what is preferred and required by the manufacturer. I know what processes and critical information is needed for a component and/or device. I also learned the process of a new product launch and all the work and qualifications needed to implement a line. In meeting with and observing my project manager and team, I have picked up on how to handle certain aspects of the job as a manager and a participant in a project that has a hierarchy of people working on it and assigning tasks.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Without a doubt my favorite part of this experience was working on new product launch with my project team. I made so many connections this way, not only with the supportive engineers on my team, but with all the other teams like finance and supply chain, process development, the suppliers, and the customer themselves. This project challenged me in many ways and improved my problem solving skills. I got to experience the highs and lows of implementing a new product into production and was able to see ideas go from paper to real life.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has opened my mind up to several options I had never considered, as well as given me the knowledge to explore experiences I did not know existed. Among realizing my potential in the medical device manufacturing process, I gained confidence that made me realize my potential as an engineer. My team constantly pushed me and gave me responsibilities that made me feel as though I was a crucial component of the project team. This alone has given me the confidence I needed to be excited about what's to come in my career.
Internship Format
In Person