Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Significant human skills needed
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Core Tasks
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
- Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
- Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
- Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
- Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
- Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
- Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
- Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
- Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
- Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
- Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
- Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
- Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
- Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
- Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
- Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
- Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
- Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
- Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.
- Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
- Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
- Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
- Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
- Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
Education & Training
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (139)
Tools & Equipment (211)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Engineering Advanced Manufacturing
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