Evolve Manufacturing, a woman-owned business with a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot facility, manufactures a wide range of high tech medical devices including critical care ventilators, COVID-19 test kits, surgical robots, and more.

From October 1- October 8, 2021, FUSD students submitted the following questions for Evolve Manufacturing. Many thanks to Theo, Alejandra, Michelle, Camilla, and Matt for providing responses through the lens of different departments and roles at Evolve Manufacturing.

Q: What kind of background knowledge in biomedical engineering do we need to become a bio engineering intern? (B.C., grade 12)

  • In order to become an intern, we like to see that the students are currently enrolled in an engineering program and that they express a genuine interest in learning as much as possible about the hands-on aspects of engineering. We provide students with a robust internship experience where they are exposed to all the different areas within the manufacturing environment. (Camilla, Human Resources)

  • No prior knowledge required. Only requirement is interest in medical devices and the eagerness to learn! (Theo, Quality Manager)

  • I think the main thing is that you are interested in science / medicine and engineering. Ability of logic and creativity to think about improvements in the process or in the product itself​. (Alejandra, Production Supervisor)

  • Exposure to engineering is preferred, but we mostly hire interns based on behavior and attitude. If you’re willing to work hard and learn, you’ll do great! (Matt, Operations Director)

Q: What are some common problems you face during the manufacturing process at your company? (K.G., grade 11)

  • Some common challenges faced by most contract manufacturers such as Evolve, can include materials shortages, meeting changing and last-minute customer demands, and technical issues. (Camilla, Human Resources)

  • The most common problem in the manufacturing process is when you have a deadline to finish a product and with a shortage of material, however, once you have everything you have to do everything possible to finish, so you have to have the ability to solve troubles under pressure and be the most productive. (Alejandra, Production Supervisor)

  • Most of the challenges we face aren’t technical, they never are for most companies. People are the most complex and interesting part of any organization! For Manufacturing, this can include clear communication of processes, expectations, and requirements to people with extremely diverse backgrounds. (Matt, Operations Director)

  • Cross training staff to allow flexibility for production scheduling. (Theo, Quality Manager)

  • For materials, we have shortages, line down, long team time parts and delay of shipments (custom or carrier issues) (Michelle, Materials Manager)

Q: Do you offer internships for high school students? If so, where can I find more information? (M.S., grade 11)

  • We don’t offer internships to anyone under 18 years old. Most interns have at least one year of college. (Matt, Operations Director)

  • We typically have interns during the summer. We’re always looking for great people, even if we don’t have any current vacancies don’t hesitate to get in touch with a cover letter and resume – jobs@evolvemfg.com (Theo, Quality Manager)

  • The majority of our internships are for college students enrolled in engineering programs. By law, there are certain restrictions on the number of hours high school students may work. (Camilla, Human Resources)

Q: Is the company's work more machine based or human based? (P.L., grade 11)

  • At Evolve the assembly work is more “human-based”, although we do have an increasing number of processes which are based on automation. (Camilla, Human Resources)

  • The company’s work is currently more human based (often with specialized tools) for legacy products. There has been a trend of introducing more automated manufacturing (including 3D printing, vision systems, label printer with automated label application) with new products. (Theo, Quality Manager)

  • Human based. At all levels. I recommend avoiding any place that say they’re machine based! Machines help people, but people do the work. It’s never the other way around. (Operations Director)

Q: What are the different sections/areas of Evolve manufacturing? (M.R., grade 11)

  • Here's an overview of our departments and what they do:

    • Manufacturing - Build diverse products (spinal implants, blood/antibody analyzers, ventilators, test analyzers, semiconductor automated equipment, MRI, wireless patient monitoring system, COVID test kits)

    • Purchasing - Buy parts/services needed, so manufacturing has materials needed to build products

    • Shipping/Receiving - Ship completed products and ensure parts go to the right location.

    • Materials - Maintain inventory of components and preparing the parts for manufacturing

    • Quality - Ensure products meet customer expectations.

    • Program Management - Ensure customers needs are met. (Theo, Quality Manager)

  • Evolve’s departments include operations, customer service, production, engineering, quality assurance, program management, accounting, human resources, purchasing, materials, shipping, and marketing. (Camilla, Human Resources)

  • You saw a good overview of the roles in the video! But to give a list, we have Quality Assurance, Program Management, Materials Management, Buyer / Planner, HR, Finance, Engineering, Shipping, Receiving, Stores, Technicians, Assemblers, and Leadership. Each is equal, since each is necessary for the organization. We all have a part to play. (Matt, Operations Director)

  • For materials, we have receiving, stockroom, purchasing & planning. (Michelle, Materials Manager)