What is a Device Engineer?

Device engineering, also known as medical device engineering or biochemical engineering, uses a variety of different fields such as medicine, engineering, and biology. The median pay for a device engineer in 2019 was an annual salary of $91,410 and hourly pay of $43.95. This industry is expected to grow by 4% between 2018 and 2028. Want to learn more? Read on to learn everything that you need to know about being a device engineer.

What Does a Device Engineer Do?

This unique type of engineering requires the device engineer to have a good understanding of biology and how the body works to do their job effectively. But they also must be skilled in materials, chemistry, and mechanics to create the best products in whatever path they decide to take in this industry.

A device engineer is responsible for developing new medical devices and equipment. Depending on which areas of this field you specialize in, you will be handling different aspects of the process. In addition to understanding how to create the best products, you also need to be familiar with the manufacturing process as well as making sure that you are creating products that are both cost-effective and useful to patients.

How to Become a Device Engineer

You will need a four-year degree at a minimum to become a medical device engineer. For more advanced positions, you can move onto your PhD. In most cases, the engineer will get a degree in biomedical engineering, but you may be able to get a dual degree in biology and mechanical engineering. However, it may be more efficient to get a degree in biomedical engineering.

Medical Device Engineering Careers

There are a few different career paths in this category that you can take:

• Designing Devices

One area to consider is device design, which focuses on designing both artificial organs and devices to replace or enhance someone’s biological components. This study includes such items as pacemakers, prosthetic limbs, or an artificial heart. They also work to improve designs for medical devices.

• Designing Equipment

Medical equipment helps the patient receive the best care possible from their medical teams. They will design and improve on medical equipment, as well as conducting trials to make sure that their equipment is effective and safe for use.

• Designing Software

Since many devices today require the use of software to be effective, such as creating 3D images of organs for diagnostic purposes, device engineers may decide to focus on software design.

• Government Agencies

While most of the jobs in this industry can be found in the private sector, the USPO (United States Patent Office) and FDA sometimes hire device engineers to evaluate equipment and devices for safety purposes.

• Sales

Who better to sell medical devices and equipment than someone with the training to understand these products better? This knowledge allows you to answer any questions that potential customers may have, making them more likely to buy these products.

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If you are interested in becoming a device engineering, you need proper training and education to succeed. Check out the Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), which gives you the tools and education you need to follow the career path of your dreams.