In the Life Sciences industry, everything starts with a desire to learn and grow, an attitude that drives personal development and opens the door to new opportunities. Coyol Free Zone is the ideal place for those who want to become part of world-class companies leading this industry. That is why proper training is essential for success and long-term growth within one of the most dynamic free zones in Latin America.
Coyol Free Zone is Costa Rica’s leading Free Trade Zone for Medical Device exports, with over US $4.440 million in annual international sales and 34 companies operating in Smart Manufacturing, Semiconductors, and Life Sciences. Today, more than 24,500 people work at the Park, contributing to the development of solutions that improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
In this ecosystem of innovation, growth, and human development, training becomes a strategic factor to access opportunities within a highly specialized and constantly evolving industry. From foundational education to technical certifications and programs in collaboration with public and private institutions, there are multiple pathways that allow Costa Rican talent to prepare and connect with quality employment opportunities. Here is a complete guide on how to take the first step toward a career in Life Sciences.
What are the most in-demand roles in the Life Sciences industry?
Manufacturing Operators continue to be the most requested profile for assembly, packaging, and highly regulated manual processes.
There is also strong demand for technical roles, including:
- Precision Mechanics
- Electromechanical and Industrial Maintenance
- Facilities Technicians
- Quality Control and Process Validation
- Calibration and Metrology Assurance
In the field of engineering, common roles include:
- Manufacturing Engineering for process optimization
- Maintenance Engineering to support critical equipment operations
- Quality, Validation, Automation, and Continuous Improvement Engineering
- Industrial or Electromechanical Engineering for project support
In addition, regulatory affairs and technical documentation specialists play a key role in complying with international standards and audit requirements in the Medical Device sector.
Supervisors, planners, and coordinators are also in demand to lead production, quality, and logistics teams, ensuring efficient planning, compliance with standards, and continuous operational flow.
What are the minimum qualifications required to work in the industry?
Qualifications vary by role, but in general:
- For Operators: Completion of 9th grade or a High School diploma. In some cases, companies may accept complete primary education. Good fine motor skills, willingness to learn standardized processes, and previous experience in manufacturing or production environments are often valued.
- For Technicians: A diploma or degree in electronics, precision mechanics, electromechanics, maintenance, quality, or medical devices. Previous experience in industrial or regulated manufacturing settings is a plus.
- For Engineers: A university degree in industrial, electromechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or chemical engineering. Relevant experience is generally expected, including internships or university projects related to processes, quality, or maintenance.
Across all roles, companies seek individuals with strong commitment to quality, compliance with procedures, and the ability to work under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and strict documentation requirements.
What training options are available for candidates?
It depends on the role, but overall:
- For Operators: Training programs specific to manufacturing operators. At www.empleocode.com, candidates can access a free introductory course to the Medical Device industry. Institutions like INA also offer specialized courses in Good Manufacturing Practices.
- For Technicians: Technical careers in electronics, precision mechanics, electromechanics, industrial maintenance, quality, or production, typically offered by INA, UTN, or private universities.
- For Professionals: University degrees in industrial, electromechanical, mechatronics, electrical, or chemical engineering. Additional certifications such as Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and Quality Management are highly valuable.
In all cases, English language skills are important. While not required for operator positions, basic reading comprehension in English is desirable due to the language used in many manuals and procedures.
For specialized technician, engineering, or administrative roles, advanced English is usually a must. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively, participate in audits, attend meetings with headquarters, and interpret technical documentation and reports.
Can companies hire candidates without prior industry experience and provide training?
Yes, many companies in the Life Sciences sector offer onboarding and training programs for people without prior industry experience, especially for operational roles.
The typical process includes:
- Classroom or lab-based training on company policies, cleanliness, GMP, safety, and work instructions.
- Hands-on training in the assigned area under the supervision of an experienced leader or technician.
Where can I find job openings in the Life Sciences industry?
Joining the Life Sciences and Medical Devices industry can be an important step for those seeking quality employment. The first step is identifying reliable channels where available opportunities are published. At Coyol Free Zone, alongside the companies established in our Park and strategic partners, we have made several tools available to facilitate access to updated information about job openings and recruitment processes. These are the main channels to stay informed:
- CODE Development Group Job Board: direct and specialized access
The CODE Development Group Job Board is the official platform where job vacancies from companies located in Coyol Free Zone are continuously published. Through www.empleocode.com, anyone interested can register and complete a form with their information.
This registration allows candidates to apply for different positions and access additional resources, such as the free Manufacturing Operator course, which provides basic knowledge about the industry. The platform is updated regularly and centralizes opportunities from multiple companies, making the job search process simpler and more efficient.
- Gente Coyol social media: weekly updates on new positions
The official Gente Coyol pages on LinkedIn and Facebook are another key channel to learn about current job openings. New positions are posted every week, along with details on the profiles sought and how to apply.
Following these platforms allows candidates to receive timely notifications and access useful information, including employability tips, upcoming recruitment events, and special programs like Intégrate a Coyol, which connects local talent with companies established in the Park.
- Job Fairs in alliance with municipalities: bringing opportunities closer to communities
Coyol Free Zone periodically organizes job fairs in collaboration with municipalities across different provinces, as part of our commitment to foster employability in various regions of the country. These fairs are announced in advance on Gente Coyol’s social media channels and offer a space where attendees can learn about available positions, receive personalized guidance, and participate in talks aimed at strengthening their job search skills.
A recent example was the Job Fair with the Municipality of Heredia (July 2025), where participants were able to complete an online pre-registration and receive on-site advice about Life Sciences industry vacancies during the event. These initiatives are part of the collaborative agreements that Coyol Free Zone maintains with 20 local governments, aimed at facilitating access to formal, well-paid job opportunities with real possibilities for growth.
Strategic Partnerships to Boost Talent Development
Agreements with 20 Local Governments
In Coyol Free Zone we are committed to attracting qualified talent from strategically important geographic areas to ensure the successful operation of companies in the Park.
That is why we have established collaborative agreements with 20 municipalities in San José, Heredia, and Alajuela Central to help residents connect with the growing workforce needs of the Park.
These agreements aim to:
- Promote local employability by linking job seekers with opportunities at Coyol Free Zone.
- Serve as a bridge between talent in each community and the 34+ companies based in the Park.
- Jointly address skills gaps and help more people gain the qualifications the industry requires.
Municipalities involved: Alajuela, Alajuelita, Barva, Belén, Desamparados, Escazú, Flores, Goicoechea, Heredia, Mora, Moravia, Puriscal, San José, San Pablo, San Rafael, Santa Ana, Santa Bárbara, Santo Domingo, Tibás, and Vázquez de Coronado.
Partnerships with Academic Institutions and Employability Programs
Coyol Free Zone actively supports human capital development in the Life Sciences sector, working with public and private educational institutions such as INA, MEP, UCR, TEC, UTN, technical high schools, private universities, and directly with companies based in the Park.
- INA Course Catalog: Through the partnership between CODE and INA, employees of companies at Coyol Free Zone can receive training in Excel, GMP, Customer Service, Emergency Preparedness, and more. In the past year, 290 employees have participated in these programs. Over 15 courses are already being delivered in 2025, with new offerings being prepared for 2026.
- Manufacturing Operator Course: Since 2021, this free course has helped thousands gain industry-specific skills. In 2024 alone, 1,596 people graduated, for a total of 11,486 graduates to date. The course is available at www.empleocode.com.
- Intégrate a Coyol: A program that connects local talent with job openings in Park-based companies, streamlining the recruitment process and supporting local economic development.
- Back to School with LUMINO: In partnership with LUMINO and Universidad Castro Carazo, this program helps employees and nearby residents complete their high school education. From 2023 to Q1 2025, 627 applications were submitted, and 163 people completed their studies.
The Future Starts with Preparation
At Coyol Free Zone, we train for employment. Through educational programs, strategic alliances, and technology-driven recruitment, we make it possible for thousands of people to access quality jobs in a globally impactful industry with the highest standards.
Explore our initiatives, equip yourself with the right tools, and connect your talent with real opportunities at world-class companies located in our Park. Because the future does not wait, it is built step by step, with preparation, commitment, and vision.