
How to Get a Better Medical Technology Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy
Redundancy in the medical technology sector can feel both personally and professionally challenging. Whether your role was in medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, or clinical engineering, the good news is this: demand for medtech talent in the UK remains high, particularly with the ongoing push for NHS innovation, remote monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics.
This guide is here to help you bounce back from redundancy and step into a better role—equipped with new focus, confidence, and strategy.
Contents
Understanding Redundancy in Medtech
Step 1: Reset Your Mindset and Reflect
Step 2: Identify Your Strengths and Target Sectors
Step 3: Rebuild Your CV and Professional Profile
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn and Technical Portfolios
Step 5: Engage with Medtech Recruiters and Employers
Step 6: Apply with Focus and Follow Up
Step 7: Upskill and Stay Current with Regulatory and Digital Trends
Step 8: Explore Contract, Regulatory and NHS-Facing Roles
Step 9: Look After Your Finances and Mental Health
Bonus: Top UK Medtech Employers Hiring in 2025
Final Thoughts: Turning Redundancy into Opportunity
Understanding Redundancy in Medtech
Job losses in medical technology can result from product changes, funding shifts, mergers or NHS procurement cycles. It doesn’t reflect your value—it’s often about timing and strategy.
Areas still hiring actively include:
Surgical robotics
Wearable health tech
In-vitro diagnostics (IVD)
Medical device software (SaMD)
Regulatory affairs and quality assurance
Connected care platforms
Step 1: Reset Your Mindset and Reflect
Before jumping back in:
Reflect on what you enjoyed or would change about your last role
Consider what type of company fits best (startup, scale-up, multinational)
Think about purpose: do you want to work on life-saving, accessible, or innovative tech?
Use this clarity to steer your search.
Step 2: Identify Your Strengths and Target Sectors
Define your skills and specialisms:
Are you strongest in R&D, compliance, clinical trials, device engineering, software validation, or data?
What certifications or standards do you know? (e.g. ISO 13485, MDR, FDA 510(k), IEC 62304)
Are you more technical, regulatory, or user-focused?
Step 3: Rebuild Your CV and Professional Profile
A great CV should include:
A focused summary (e.g. “Medical Device QA Specialist | ISO 13485 | Open to Work”)
Impact (e.g. “Led successful MDR transition for Class IIb device, enabling EU market continuity”)
Tools, platforms, and standards used
Links to published work, regulatory submissions, or product launches
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn and Technical Portfolios
LinkedIn Tips:
Headline: “Medtech Product Engineer | SaMD | Open to Work”
About: Highlight your experience, certifications, and career goals
Add any webinars, publications, or project visuals under Featured
Sample LinkedIn About Section:
Medical Device Engineer | Digital Health | Open to Work
I’m a multidisciplinary engineer with 7+ years' experience in wearable devices, embedded software, and IEC 62304 validation. Made redundant due to funding cuts, I’m now seeking a new opportunity to drive innovation and regulatory-compliant delivery in medtech.
Specialisms: Embedded C/C++, ISO 13485, SaMD, BLE, verification & validation, technical files
Let’s connect if you're building digital health or diagnostic tools.
Step 5: Engage with Medtech Recruiters and Employers
Recruiter Message Example:
Subject: QA/RA Engineer | MDR & ISO 13485 | Available Now
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m seeking a new medtech role following a redundancy. My background includes MDR submissions, QMS implementation, and Class IIb/III device compliance. Please see my CV attached—I’d welcome any roles you may have.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
[CV attachment]
Hiring Manager Follow-Up Example:
Subject: Application – Clinical Trials Engineer Role at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I recently applied for the Clinical Trials Engineer role and wanted to reaffirm my interest. I bring hands-on experience managing medical device trials, GCP compliance, and NHS site relationships. Redundant due to restructuring, I’m available immediately.
CV attached. I’d love to explore how I can contribute.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Step 6: Apply with Focus and Follow Up
Prioritise jobs that match your core experience (device class, regulatory environment, tech stack)
Tailor your CV and cover letter to the JD
Use www.medicaltechnologyjobs.co.uk, LinkedIn, and job boards like MedTech Europe, MedComms
Follow up with a message 7–10 days after applying
Step 7: Upskill and Stay Current with Regulatory and Digital Trends
Make time to:
Refresh ISO 13485, MDR, or FDA regulatory knowledge
Learn about cybersecurity in medical devices or AI in diagnostics
Take CPD courses via TOPRA, MedTech Europe, or Coursera
Attend webinars by ABHI, NHS, or academic institutions
Step 8: Explore Contract, Regulatory and NHS-Facing Roles
Consider short-term contracts or freelance work in QA/RA, V&V, or clinical support
Look for NHS Innovation Accelerator or Digital Health.London partnerships
Explore post-redundancy grants or fellowship schemes (e.g. Innovate UK, NIHR)
Step 9: Look After Your Finances and Mental Health
Apply for redundancy pay, Universal Credit or JSA
Use budgeting tools like MoneyHelper or Turn2Us
Create a structured weekly plan with job applications, learning and downtime
Stay connected to medtech networks via LinkedIn, meetup groups, or industry webinars
Bonus: Top UK Medtech Employers Hiring in 2025
Abbott UK
Smith+Nephew
Owlstone Medical
CMR Surgical
Medtronic UK
TTP Group
B. Braun Medical
NHS Digital Health & Care teams
Perspectum
Stryker UK
Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Creo Medical
GE Healthcare UK
Imperial College spinouts (e.g. Neuranics, Acurable)
Final Thoughts: Turning Redundancy into Opportunity
Redundancy isn’t a failure—it’s a transition. In the fast-evolving medtech sector, this moment could be the push you need to find a more meaningful, well-matched role.
Stay visible, keep learning, and know your skills are valued.
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