Description
Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair medical and surgical instruments and devices—such as scalpels, forceps, retractors, endoscopic tools, and specialized instruments—using precision machining and finishing methods, following prescriptions, blueprints, and regulatory quality standards.
- • Collaborate with surgeons and engineers to validate instrument fit and function on models or test rigs and adjust as needed.
- • Machine and fabricate instruments and components from stainless steel, titanium, and polymers using manual and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM.
- • Interpret drawings, CAD models, and device specifications to determine materials, tooling, and processes.
- • Repair, refurbish, sharpen, and maintain surgical instruments to specification.
- • Provide guidance to surgical and sterile-processing staff on proper instrument use, care, and reassembly.
- • Measure parts and assemblies with micrometers, calipers, gauges, and CMMs to verify dimensions and tolerances.
- • Create or use prototypes, jigs, and fixtures from CAD models or samples to support fabrication and assembly.
- • Bend, form, and shape metal or polymer stock to required contours using presses, rollers, heat, and forming tools.
- • Drill, tap, laser weld, braze, rivet, or fasten components to assemble instruments.
- • Lay out and mark workpieces using templates and precision measuring instruments; set up machines accordingly.
- • Test instruments for alignment, sharpness, spring tension, torque, leak integrity, and overall function using gauges and test fixtures.
- • Apply surface treatments such as grinding, honing, deburring, polishing, passivation, or anodizing to achieve required finish and biocompatibility.
- • Install handles, grips, or insulating sleeves to meet ergonomic and electrical requirements.
- • Service and repair fabrication machinery, tools, and fixtures to maintain production readiness.
- • Mark instruments with identification, lot codes, and color bands via laser marking or etching to ensure traceability.
- • Document work, inspections, and nonconformances; comply with ISO 13485, FDA QSR, and cleanliness or sterility requirements as applicable.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
