Sterilization Engineering Operations Intern
Company : Cook Medical
Location : Bloomington, IN, 47404
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Overview
This position is a 12-week paid internship located in Bloomington, Indiana. It is offered for a period extending from mid-May through mid-August (exact dates depend on school calendars.) This position includes 401(k) options, an assigned mentor, capstone presentation, and intern events. You will also have access to a fitness center, an onsite cafeteria option, and a one-time housing stipend. All internships provide hands-on experience with meaningful projects in the Medical Device Manufacturing Industry.
Responsibilities
• Follow procedures pertinent to tasks being performed
• Provide support to other Global Sterilization and Packaging team members upon request and where reasonable
• Learn quickly about project background and project objectives
• Coordinate resources to meet project needs and deadlines
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation
Qualifications
• All candidates should have an interest in a career in the Life Sciences field, a willingness to take initiative, and an ability to work well with others
• Candidates should be working toward a bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Life Sciences, Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or Chemistry• Candidates should be students entering their Junior or Senior year the following fall semester or entering graduate school; candidates who graduate the spring semester before this internship are also eligible • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred • All candidates must provide proof of enrollment (including pre-registration certification for the following fall) for consideration • Multiple disciplines will be considered (e.g., Marketing, Life Sciences, General Business, and Management)
• Conscientious person with good work ethic
• Understand and accept requests with an "I can help you" attitude
• Teachable, positive attitude with a genuine willingness to learn
• Personal discipline
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Willingness to help
• Ability to work with multiple persons and with multiple priorities that occur when each person has different needs
• Extreme attention to detail
Physical Requirements
• Works under general office environmental conditions
• Sitting for extended periods, utilizes close visual acquity for working with computers, equipment, etc.
• Personal protective equipment including safety glasses, lab coat, and gloves may be required in some areas associated with this position
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Frequently asked questions
Ideal candidates typically pursue degrees in microbiology, life sciences, engineering, packaging engineering, or chemistry. These disciplines provide foundational knowledge essential for tackling sterilization protocols and operational tasks within medical device manufacturing environments.
Interns support global sterilization teams by ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to sterilization procedures, which directly impacts device sterility and patient safety. Their role includes coordinating resources and learning project goals to maintain stringent quality standards.
Internship stipends for sterilization engineering roles in Bloomington typically range between $18 and $24 per hour, reflecting the specialized knowledge required in medical device sterilization and the competitive local market for life sciences internships.
While formal certifications are not mandatory for internship positions, certifications like Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) can enhance employability in Bloomington's healthcare sector, where sterilization expertise is highly valued.
Given Bloomington's manageable traffic and public transit options, interns often find commuting to Cook Medical straightforward. Many opt for biking or carpooling, which suits the campus-like industrial area where the facility is located.
Cook Medical’s internship offers hands-on projects in medical device sterilization alongside perks like a housing stipend, fitness center access, and an assigned mentor, creating a balanced learning environment rare in typical sterilization technician internships.
Interns collaborate with international sterilization and packaging groups, supporting projects and learning cross-functional procedures. This exposure broadens their understanding of sterilization challenges across markets, enhancing their operational and teamwork skills.
Daily activities include following detailed sterilization protocols, documenting processes meticulously, assisting team members with sterilization tasks, and rapidly adapting to project needs—all within a controlled medical device manufacturing setting.
Interns often face simultaneous requests from various team members requiring quick prioritization and strong organizational skills. Managing diverse sterilization projects demands flexibility, attention to detail, and effective communication to meet tight deadlines.
Bloomington's life sciences internships, especially at companies like Cook Medical, attract numerous qualified applicants each year. Candidates with a strong GPA, relevant coursework, and proactive attitudes tend to stand out in this competitive local market.