Medical device engineering focuses on the design and manufacture of devices used in medical care. These devices include mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs), individual diagnostic devices (blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose monitors), large-scale diagnostic machinery (MRI, PET, and X-ray scanners), and innovative drug delivery systems (nicotine patches, microdevices).

Medical device engineers, also known as bioengineers or biomedical engineers, work in laboratories and health care facilities, and for private corporations and government agencies. About 16% of all bioengineers work in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Another 16% work in research and development departments of engineering and life sciences organizations.

Besides their primary job description of medical product design and development, medical device engineers are responsible for:

Software: Engineers may be tasked with developing the software to operate medical devices and other innovations.
Maintenance: Installation and repair of devices are also part of the role’s responsibilities.
Training: Medical device engineers train medical staff on the use of their products, which may be highly complex and dangerous if deployed improperly.
Research: Before beginning the design process, engineers must investigate how the proposed product will interact with the human body.
Collaboration: Teamwork and collaboration are a significant part of an engineer’s day-to-day responsibilities. They work with other scientists, medical experts, and clinicians to design products according to specifications.
Testing: Before deployment, products undergo rigorous testing to confirm safety and efficacy. Medical device engineers collect and analyze data and apply their findings to redesign and improve products.
Communications: Engineers publish their work in white papers and journals, present their findings to stakeholders, and develop user manuals and other documentation.