Biomedical Engineer

Working Schedule

• Biomedical Engineers work full time, with occasional overtime required in some cases. For instance, when there is a high demand or urgent need for the production of a certain product, schedules may require working extra hours to meet deadlines. Also, employees must ensure they’re always current with changes affecting their field. This can require significant reading and research outside of “office hours.” 

Typical Duties

• Designing hardware and software for various medical uses
• Conducting detailed research related to biology and chemical processes
• Working with or managing teams and other engineers
• Assessing the designs of biomedical components to be used inside patients
• Conducting operational testing and analyzing findings
• Complex technical writing and diligent records keeping
• Performing sensitive calibrations using technical equipment
• Training peers or subordinates on processes
• Additional Responsibilities
• Assisting buyers and providing training on the proper use of products
• Developing alternative energy solutions
• Inventory management 

Soft Skills

• Articulate speaking
• Strong technical writing skills
• Able to advise and instruct others through verbal and written guidance
• Analytical problem solving
• Methodical 
• Objective 
• Patience and persistence 
• Focused on quality assurance 
• Goal-orientation; ready to tackle challenges
• Planning and organizational skills
• Research and troubleshooting skills
• Team-orientation
• Empathy dealing with patients

Technical Skills

• Creative, especially in design areas
• Ability to read and comprehend complex technical texts
• Deep understanding of biology and applicable engineering and technology 
• Knowledge of software applications, in particular those related do:
• Medical, analytical, and scientific 
• Computer-aided design 
• Development environment 
• Object/component oriented development 
• Strong math skills, including calculus and statistics
• Ability to create compelling presentations and reports
• Focus on practical, real-world solutions versus theory

• Companies making medical equipment, medical supplies, or auxiliary items 
• Healthcare industries
• Pharmaceuticals
• Higher education institutes
• Research and development groups
• Military/governmental agencies and contractors
• Social welfare organizations

Biomedical Engineers bear the weight of enormous responsibility. Unlike physicians who may see specific patients on occasion, Biomedical Engineers create devices implanted permanently inside patients! The effectiveness and proper functioning of such devices can impact the quality of life of those individuals. Meanwhile, malfunctions or other unexpected problems can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. 
 
Workers in this field must go to great lengths to ensure their research is accurate, and that they’ve developed solutions that will work as designed. They have to anticipate issues and train buyers on use, maintenance, and what to do in case of trouble. An organization’s entire reputation is on the line when a product or service is released into the world, so when things go wrong, engineers get scrutinized. Thus they need to be patient, have a tough skin, and be ready to answer questions at any time. 

Curiously, the Bureau of Labor Statistics only predicts a 4% job growth outlook for Biomedical Engineers over the coming decade. This is slightly below average. However, changes are certainly expected within the field itself, as technology continues to evolve at an increasing pace. As tech advances, opportunities open. For example, 3D printing is becoming an area of increased focus in the Biomed world. Meanwhile, smart technology continues to bind us to an ever-widening network of connected devices, so this is another area being explored. 
 
A further consideration impacting the future outlook for Biomedical Engineers is the increasing life expectancy rate for citizens. As populations live longer, the need for products will continue to expand. However, advanced aging can affect the ability to perform certain surgeries to implant certain items. This may potentially drive research into new paths to seek non-surgical alternatives to existing products. 

Biomedical Engineers were likely always curious about both biology and technology, and how the two can function together. They may have been fond of science fiction books and films featuring futuristic characters such as cyborgs and androids. Indeed the science fiction genre has long been at the forefront of predicting ways that humans will intersect with man-made devices such as computers or robotic equipment. 
 
In their younger days, Biomedical Engineers may have also drawn inspiration from real-life pioneers in the field. They might even have had a family member who relied on a biomedical device for survival. In addition, there could also have been an interest in military and warfare topics. The military has long been a supporter of advanced technologies designed to enhance the performance of troops, as well as to empower survivors of serious wartime injuries. This is why many veterans consider civilian jobs in this critical field.