2027 Spring/Summer Manufacturing Engineering Co-op

Hardware FYI; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon, the global eye care leader, seeks a Mechanical/Manufacturing co‑op for onsite work in Houston, TX for 2027 spring and summer. You will gain hands‑on experience on equipment qualification, validation, and cross‑functional project work with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Automation teams.

You'll contribute to safety, quality, and efficiency initiatives, document protocols, and analyze data to support continuous improvement while following GMP/GxP and regulatory

Qualifications

• Enrolled in accredited university for at least one semester before the co‑op and at least one semester after.
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering field with minimum GPA 2.8/4.0.
• Authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis.

Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment qualification and validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, data collection, and final documentation.
• Support installation, commissioning, and implementation of manufacturing equipment, systems, and processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and production teams to troubleshoot equipment and process issues and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Conduct engineering studies, data collection, and process evaluations to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics; summarize trends and recommendations with clear visuals and writing.
• Create and update engineering documents, work instructions, reports, drawings, specifications, and validation records.
• Participate in continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or other problem‑solving tools.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to support project execution and ensure GMP/GxP compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Engineering degree (ME/Manufacturing/BME/CE/IE/EE)

Job description

About Alcon:

As the global leader in eye care, Alcon has built a rich history of providing innovative products to customers and patients all over the world. We’re extremely proud of our legacy and the significant way we’ve helped to shape the industry over the last 70 years, but we’re just getting started. Our relentless passion to eliminate unmet medical needs drives our pursuit to further advance eye health worldwide. We’re looking for exceptionally talented, driven people who want to make a difference. If you’d like to help us change the way the world sees, this is your chance to Be Brilliant!

Position Description:

The Alcon team is looking for a talented and motivated co-op to join us onsite for 2027 spring and summer at the Houston, TX location.

Alcon co-ops will have the opportunity to not only gain industry experience and network with other Alcon professionals. They will also have the chance to make a real-world impact by working on meaningful projects that will help patients and customers see brilliantly. Alcon also offer co-op personal and professional development, high visibility and coaching and mentoring opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment qualification and validation activities, including preparation and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, data collection, and final documentation.

• Support the installation, commissioning, and implementation of new or modified manufacturing equipment, systems, and processes.

• Partner with engineers and production teams to troubleshoot equipment and process issues, document findings, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Conduct engineering studies, time observations, data collection, and process evaluations to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and equipment reliability.

• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics; summarize trends, risks, observations, and recommendations using clear visual and written communication.

• Create and update engineering documents, work instructions, reports, drawings, specifications, and validation records in accordance with company procedures.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or structured problem-solving tools.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Automation, and other cross-functional partners to support project execution.

• Follow safety, GMP/GxP, quality system, and applicable regulatory requirements while performing assigned work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college for at least one semester prior to the co-op, and at least one additional semester following your co-op

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Academic performance: Minimum cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0

• Demonstrated leadership skills (i.e. extracurricular activities or projects)

• Must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis. Students on an F1 visa with CPT work authorization may be accommodated

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship, co-op, laboratory, research, design project, or manufacturing experience.

• Coursework or project experience related to manufacturing processes, automation, equipment design, validation, quality systems, statistics, or process improvement.

• Familiarity with regulated industries such as medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, aerospace, automotive, or food manufacturing.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methods.

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.