What qualifications do I need to become a Medical Device Engineer?

A degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant certifications and experience in medical device development are also valuable.

What are the key skills for a Medical Device Engineer?

Key skills include strong technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a highly regulated environment. Collaboration and communication skills are also crucial.

What is the typical career progression for a Medical Device Engineer?

Career progression often starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and project leadership, and culminates in strategic and executive positions. Each step builds on the previous one, adding more responsibility and influence.

What is the salary range for Medical Device Engineers?

Salaries for Medical Device Engineers can vary widely based on experience, location, and specific role. For detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

Medical Device Engineer Jobs

Designers and innovators who create the medical devices that save lives. A role that combines engineering expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare needs.

Open roles

Hiring companies

View 7 live roles → Get an alert

Medical Device Engineers are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, developing and refining the devices that improve and save lives. These professionals work in a highly regulated environment, collaborating with clinicians, regulatory experts, and manufacturing teams to ensure that medical devices are safe, effective, and user-friendly. From initial concept to market release, Medical Device Engineers play a crucial role in every stage of the product lifecycle.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Medical Device Engineer

A typical week for a Medical Device Engineer is a mix of design, testing, and collaboration. Time is split between hands-on lab work, meetings with cross-functional teams, and documentation for regulatory compliance.

01

Conduct design reviews with cross-functional teams
02

Perform tests and simulations on new device prototypes
03

Document findings and prepare reports for regulatory submissions
04

Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimise production processes
05

Attend client and stakeholder meetings to gather feedback
06

Stay updated on the latest industry standards and regulations

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 7 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Medical Devices

86%

ISO 13485

57%

Mechanical Engineering

29%

EN60601

29%

Project Management

29%

Regulatory Compliance

29%

Electro-Mechanical Systems

14%

Mentoring

14%

Communication

14%

Problem Solving

14%

Electrical Engineering

14%

Electronics

14%

Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for medical device engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

Level 1

Junior Medical Device Engineer

0–2 yrs

Assist in the design and testing of medical devices under supervision. Contribute to documentation and regulatory submissions.
Level 2

Medical Device Engineer

2–5 yrs

Lead specific projects and design tasks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure device functionality and compliance.
Level 3

Senior Medical Device Engineer

5–10 yrs

Manage multiple projects and teams. Oversee the entire product development process from concept to market release.
Level 4

Principal Medical Device Engineer

10+ yrs

Strategise and lead major initiatives. Influence company direction and industry standards in medical device development.

Pathway

How to become a Medical Device Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

1

Entry-Level Engineer

Start with foundational roles, learning the basics of medical device design and regulatory processes.
2

Specialisation

Develop expertise in a specific area such as biomechanics, materials science, or regulatory affairs.
3

Project Leadership

Take on leadership roles, managing projects and teams to deliver high-quality medical devices.
4

Strategic Influence

Influence company strategy and industry standards, driving innovation and best practices in medical technology.
5

Executive Role

Move into executive positions, overseeing entire departments and shaping the future of medical device development.

Live jobs

7 live roles

Consulting Engineer - Medical Device Development

This role involves acting as a technical advisor in early-stage business development for medical device innovation, bridging scientific expertise with commercial strategy. You'll engage with clients to understand challenges, then collaborate with internal engineering and scientific teams to develop credible proposals and turn ideas into viable products. The position emphasizes relationship-building, technical credibility, and identifying new opportunities in healthcare technology, with recent projects spanning implantable sensors, laser treatments, and non-invasive surgical devices.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Product Design Mechanical Engineer - Medical Device - Warwick

This role involves designing and developing medical devices as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team. The engineer will work on life-saving and life-improving products, contributing to full product development cycles within a regulated environment. The company emphasizes innovation, staff growth, and career progression.

Newton Colmore Warwick, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Software Test Engineer - Medical Devices

This role involves leading verification and validation testing for an embedded software-driven medical device in a standalone capacity. You'll develop and execute test specifications in line with IEC 62304 and FDA 510(k) requirements, working directly with hardware and supporting regulatory documentation. The position requires onsite presence for hands-on testing and close collaboration with quality and development teams.

KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions Manchester, United Kingdom £400 – £425 pd

Mechanical Engineer - Programme Manager - Medical Devices

This role involves leading multiple projects in the development of electro-mechanical medical devices, including mentoring junior staff and handling mechanical design aspects. You will work on lifesaving and life-improving technologies, collaborating with both internal and external teams, and continuously developing your skills through training and career advancement.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Electronics Engineer - Programme Manager - Medical Devices

This role involves leading multiple projects as a Programme Manager with a technical background in Electronics Engineering, specifically within the medical devices sector. You will split responsibilities between hands-on electronics design for electro-mechanical medical devices and mentoring junior engineers. The work focuses on innovative, life-saving technologies compliant with EN60601 and ISO 13485 standards, requiring strong communication skills for coordination across internal and external teams.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Quality Engineer - Medical Devices - Didcot

The role involves managing key Quality Engineering activities across the full Quality Management System, including CAPA, non-conformities, complaints, change control, and internal audits. You will support supplier quality, manufacturing compliance, and collaborate with engineering teams on validation and risk management. The position plays a critical part in maintaining regulatory compliance and driving continuous improvement within a growing medical device environment.

Newton Colmore Didcot, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Medical Devices - Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Cambridge

This role involves contributing to the development and improvement of life-saving medical devices, collaborating with experts in electronics, software, and other medical fields. You will work on complex challenges, including fluidics, mechanism design, and thermal issues, using 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks. Your work will have a significant impact on the company's success and projects.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Cambridge

Location

4 open

Manchester

Location

1 open

FAQs

Common questions

A degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant certifications and experience in medical device development are also valuable.
Key skills include strong technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a highly regulated environment. Collaboration and communication skills are also crucial.
Career progression often starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and project leadership, and culminates in strategic and executive positions. Each step builds on the previous one, adding more responsibility and influence.
Salaries for Medical Device Engineers can vary widely based on experience, location, and specific role. For detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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Medical Device Engineer Jobs

Inside the role of a Medical Device Engineer

What hiring managers ask for

From Junior to Principal

Junior Medical Device Engineer