Want To Break Into The Medical Industry? What Should You Know About Device Engineering?

If you're interested in starting a career in the medical industry, but aren't sure you'd be able to spend your days interacting with patients and dealing with ever-increasing demands on your time, you may be considering a job on the other side of the spectrum -- designing, testing, and improving medical devices. As medical technology continues to advance, leading to revolutions in treatment, jobs as medical device engineers are becoming ever more important. Read on to learn more about the education and other skills you'll need in order to nab your first position in this industry, as well as the type of job duties you can expect.

What types of engineering jobs are available in the device testing industry?

Many of the largest employers in this arena are pharmaceutical and medical supply companies that perform all their designing, testing, and even production in-house -- at facilities owned and operated by the parent company. This means that they employ a wide variety of professionals, from engineers and design experts to quality control officials, logistics and cost-accounting personnel, attorneys, and marketing staff. 

If you're interested in device engineering, there are still a variety of jobs available to you. You may be involved in the creation of a brand-new device, the improvement of the manufacturing process (by shortening production time or using more durable materials) or the adaption of an existing device to a new need.

What education and credentials will you need to become a design engineer?

Although the medical testing and design industry employs a variety of types of engineers, the education and certifications required can vary by field and by employer.

• If you'd like to design devices yourself:

To get your first position as a design engineer, you'll likely need at least a 4-year degree with a concentration in engineering. You may become more employable by completing additional certifications related specifically to medical design, or by becoming proficient on the design program used by your desired employer (this information can usually be gleaned by skimming job postings). 

Many medical device testing engineers can find this to be a lucrative (and expanding) field. Job openings in this area are expected to increase by 27 percent from 2012 to 2022, and these engineers can earn between $52,600 and $139,450 per year. Because many of these engineers are employed by pharmaceutical companies, there may also be bonus and profit-sharing opportunities.

• If you'd rather work to test and improve already-designed devices:

If you're interested in testing and improving medical devices but don't yet have an engineering degree, you may wish to get your foot in the door by applying for a Quality Assurance (QA) position. Many QA jobs require only a high school diploma or associates degree, and can help you become familiar with the terminology and processes involved in designing and testing medical devices.

In some cases, employers may be willing to pay the costs associated with your completion of an engineering degree, in exchange for a promise to remain with this employer for a specified period of time.  

When hiring a QA associate or engineer, employers will want to see you demonstrate an unmatched attention to detail as well as an inquisitive mind that is always looking for the best way to solve a problem or streamline a process.

What other traits will you need to demonstrate?

Because so much of your job will involve the production and review of highly confidential proprietary designs, trustworthiness and a commitment to confidentiality is key. You may be required as a condition of employment to sign a non-compete agreement -- this will prevent you from obtaining employment with an industry competitor for a specified period of time, and can prescribe significant civil and financial penalties for violation of these provisions. You may also be required to take out a surety bond -- this will help compensate the company for any financial liabilities suffered if you (knowingly or unknowingly) leak confidential data.

If you would like to learn more about medical device testing, contact a testing lab like Nelson Laboratories.