How to Get Into Medical Device Engineering

Medical device engineering is where technical design meets life-saving technology. The global medical devices market was valued at about $679 billion in 2025, according to Precedence Research. That number is predicted to increase to more than $1.2 trillion by 2035 due to an increasing use of technology enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), the aging population, and advancements in medical technologies in areas such as imaging systems, in vitro diagnostics, and patient monitoring devices.

Professionals interested in pursuing a career in this field should consider how the right educational background can support their career goals. Earning a master’s in medical device engineering helps engineers learn how to develop products that promote longevity and improve the lives of others.
 

What Is Medical Device Engineering?

Medical device engineering is the field concerned with applying engineering principles and scientific knowledge to the task of designing and creating medical devices. Medical devices include wearable health technology and home healthcare devices such as fitness trackers and blood glucose monitors; more complex equipment such as prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, and pacemakers; and medical imaging technology such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. 

Medical device engineers are often involved in a device’s full development life cycle from conception through production. 

Engineers begin by coming up with a viable concept for a product with key members of a product team such as biologists or chemists. Then they design a medical device prototype for validation testing, which goes through as many iterations as necessary to end up with an effective device ready to go to market. After the device has been approved by regulators, produced, and sold, they continue to monitor its use to address any issues and develop new features for future updates. 
 

Medical Device Engineer Responsibilities

The specifics can vary, but medical device engineers’ responsibilities typically include the following:

• Developing medical devices and machines to diagnose or treat medical problems
• Evaluating the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of medical devices
• Installing, monitoring, and providing technical support for biomedical products
• Consulting with scientists to apply engineering principles to biological products
• Training staff members to safely use biomedical equipment 
• Conducting and presenting research to audiences including corporate stakeholders, scientists, clinicians, managers, other engineers, and the public

Professionals working in medical device engineering rely on mechanical, electrical, and computer science engineering principles to do their jobs. By cultivating a foundation of high-level technical skills in these areas, biomedical engineers are able to develop unique products using user interface design, electrical circuitry, and proper code to test products’ operating systems.

A background in the biological sciences also is important for medical device engineers, as many work alongside scientists, chemists, and other medical engineers to develop biomedical products used in clinics and hospitals.
 

How to Become a Medical Device Engineer

While the path to becoming a medical device engineer can vary, it typically involves a combination of education, experience, and professional development.

Earn a Medical Device Engineering Degree

Medical device engineer positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer applicants with a master’s degree in medical device engineering, as these advanced degree programs enable engineers to gain specialized skills in areas such as medical device design, device production, and biomaterials selection. 

Engineers interested in the business and project management aspects of medical device engineering may want to consider earning a master’s in engineering management.

Gain Experience Through Internships

Completing one or more internships enables aspiring medical device engineers to gain direct experience working in the medical technology field. These experiences also can be a great way for professionals to network with hiring managers and can help them decide which work area they prefer, such as research and development, medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, or engineering services.

Learn More About the Medical Device Field

Medical device engineers need to have deep knowledge of quality assurance practices and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for medical device products to be able to create products that are safe for patients to use. 

Before releasing a medical device for consumer use in hospitals, clinics, or retailers, medical device engineers must ensure the device has been tested in multiple clinical trials and proven to be safe, effective, and usable. Learning how the medical device development timeline works is also a great step for those interested in becoming a skilled medical device engineer. 

Stay Updated on Emerging Medical Trends

New technologies for use in medical devices are constantly emerging. Engineers need to monitor the latest medical advances in the field, such as 3D printing of medical devices, new AI applications for medical technology, and the integration of smart devices into medical equipment processes. This helps engineers remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
 

Medical Device Engineering Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers, including medical device engineers, was $106,950 as of May 2024. The job outlook for these professionals is strong, with the BLS predicting they will see 5% job growth between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average growth expected for all occupations. Around 1,300 job openings are projected each year.
 

Shape the Future of Healthcare Devices With a Master’s in Medical Device Engineering

Medical device engineers have a unique skill set that combines engineering, design, and medical knowledge with curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving aptitudes that stand out in today’s workplace. 

Interested in becoming a medical device engineer? Consider enrolling in the online Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program at Tseng College at California State University, Northridge. Students in the program learn about medical device design, production, and regulatory compliance through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training, and they receive one-on-one support to get the most out of the program.

Unlock your future with CSUN, and learn more about the medical device master’s degree today.