Career Overview
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Also Known As
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biomedical Technician (Biomedical Tech)
- Process Engineer
- Research Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Analytical Biochemical Engineer
- Biochemical Development Engineer
- Biochemical Engineer
- Biochemistry Chemical Engineering Analyst
- Bioengineer
- Bioinformatics Engineer
- Biomaterials Engineer
- Biomechanical Engineer
- Biomedical Analytical Scientist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineering Intern
- Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant
- Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Biomedical Field Service Engineer
- Biomedical Scientist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
- Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
- Biology
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Fluency of Ideas
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Linux
Tools & Equipment
- 3T scanners
- Accelerometers
- Acoustic measurement systems
- Acousto-optic modulators
- Activity monitoring devices
- Aerosol analyzers
- Aerosol generators
- Analytical balances
- Anthropometers
- Arbitrary waveform generators
- Autoclaves
- Automated particle counters
- Automatic titrators
- Autosamplers
- Axial-torsional testing systems
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $71,860 |
| Median | $106,950 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $165,060 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 21,860
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $64,790
Nanosystems Engineers
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $117,750
Bioinformatics Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,330
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $103,650
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,330
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.