7 Types Of Companies That Hire Biomedical Engineers

If you’re looking for a job as a biomedical engineer, there are several different types of companies that employ this role. Whether your interest is in research or development, you’ll be able to find a company that aligns with your skills, values, and goals. In this article, we share why people choose a biomedical career and list several types of companies that hire biomedical engineers.

What is a biomedical engineer?

A biomedical engineer is a highly skilled technologist who works to create medical devices, technologies and tools. They work with other medical professionals to find solutions to the healthcare industry’s most pressing needs. Using their engineering expertise, they can create better, more precise treatment options for patients. By getting into this field, you have the chance to create technologies that hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities use.

Why choose a career in biomedical engineering?

Working for biomedical engineering companies can be quite a beneficial career path. Here are several reasons why people chose this career:

• This field offers a good salary and job outlook. The national average salary for this position is $82,119 per year. And the job outlook, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is supposed to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030.

• You can improve lives. By making technological advancements in medical devices, you can ultimately help healthcare providers deliver better treatment to their patients. Along with improving the quality of procedures, you can develop less invasive and safer processes.

• Your work environment can vary. If you hope to work in a variety of settings throughout your career, this is an excellent career path to pursue. You may find employment in labs, hospitals universities and other organizations.

• You’ll work in a dynamic and progressive industry. As medical devices and treatments advance, you’re always going to have more to learn about in this field. Those who are naturally curious and enjoy learning might do well in this career.

7 types of companies that employ biomedical engineers 

If you want to become a biomedical engineer, you may be interested in working for one of these types of companies:

1. Universities

Universities employ biomedical engineers to help their research teams design and test medical tools and equipment. When working for a university, your job duties can range from researching new technologies to conducting studies of your finalized products. A biomedical engineer with a teaching background may even work as a professor at some universities. They use their expertise to pass on their knowledge of engineering to those aspiring to get into this field.

2. Research laboratories

Since you are working to develop new medical devices, biomedical engineers are often a part of research teams that build and test these technologies. When working for a research institution, you often do collaborative work with fellow biomedical engineers, along with medical professionals, biologists, and chemists. Research labs hire biomedical engineers to oversee research activities and use their background knowledge to make further developments.

3. Hospitals

Hospitals hire biomedical engineers for consulting purposes. Since you have expert-level knowledge of these medical devices and technologies, you can train staff on how to properly use them on patients. You can also give hospital leaders advice on the best equipment to use in their facility. Biomedical engineers may also come into hospitals to repair or do maintenance on medical equipment.

4. Pharmaceutical companies

A good portion of biomedical engineers work for pharmaceutical companies. You may be responsible for designing, building, and testing drug-administering devices, such as automatic drug injectors and insulin pumps. Since many of these medications are strong, it’s important that you have the precision and attention to detail to ensure patients are getting the correct doses from their devices. You may also experiment with creating other types of innovative treatments for pharmaceutical patients.

5. Medical device manufacturers

As the technology for personal medical devices continues to advance, these manufacturing companies are looking for skilled biomedical engineers for their teams. Your work at these companies might involve developing artificial limbs and organs for patients in need. You may also develop first-aid items or machines medical professionals use to treat patients.

6. Government agencies

Certain government agencies, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Army, Navy, and Air Force, hire biomedical engineers for all kinds of government initiatives. For instance, your work might involve testing medical equipment, creating safety policies, and approving device patents. When working for the military, you may be in charge of developing better treatments for soldiers.

7. Software development companies

Since many medical devices and machines require computer components, you may be able to find a biomedical engineering job at a software company. You can use your computer skills to design the applications that go along with the devices you build. Biomedical engineers can also work to customize patients’ medical devices using computer software, selecting the right materials and designs for each person’s unique needs.

Tips for applying for a biomedical engineering role

Use these tips to help you find your next biomedical engineering role:

• Keep up-to-date. Before your next job interview, make sure you are keeping current with industry trends. This field is ever-evolving and it’s important to stay knowledgeable.

• Customize your resume. Each time you apply for a different biomedical engineering role, you should tailor your resume to fit the needs mentioned in the specific job description.

• Write a value-based cover letter. Rather than solely using the cover letter to share why you want the job, make sure you are incorporating ways you plan to add value to the company. Emphasize your skills and talents and how they’ll help you contribute to the department.

• Learn about the company. Do some research to find out what the company specializes in. Try to learn about its goals, values, or mission statement.

• Ask smart questions. At the end of your interview, the employer is likely to give you time to ask questions. Prepare some questions about the role and company to show your interest.

I hope you find this article helpful.