Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
17-2031.00
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.
Sample of reported job titles: Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Engineering Technician, Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Biomedical Technician, Engineer, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Research Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- 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.
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
- Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
- Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
- Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
- Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
- Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
- Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
- Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
- Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
- Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
- Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
- Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
- Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.
- Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
- Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
- Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
- Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
- Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
- Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
- Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
- Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
- Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
- Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
- Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
- Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software -
ANSYS simulation software; ApE A Plasmid Editor; AspenTech HYSYS; Biomechanical modeling software; Calculating optimum maintenance parameters COMPARE; Calibration software; Circuit simulation software; Common cause failure assessment software; Computational fluid dynamics CFD software; Computational modeling software; Criticality analysis software; Dyadem FMEA Pro-6; Electromechanical testing analysis software; Embedded systems testing software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Failure rate data in perspective FARADIP software; Fault modeling software; Fault tree analysis FTA software; Finite element analysis FEA software; Finite element method FEM software; Force platform software; Force sensitive applications FSA software; Fourier transform infrared FTIR software; Functional modeling software; Hierarchical simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis HSPICE; Human modeling software; Image analysis software; Intelligen SuperPro Designer; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Maplesoft Maple; Materials testing software; MathWorks Simulink; Mean time between failures MBTF software; Minitab; Molecular simulation software; Motion analysis software; Neural network modeling software; Numerical analysis software; Polymath Software POLYMATH; Preventive maintenance software; Reliability centered maintenance RCM software; Root cause analysis software; SAS π₯; SAS JMP; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; SNOINO RCM Pro; SNOINO Ttree; Stochastic modeling software; Stratasys FDM MedModeler; Systems analysis programs for hands on integrated reliability evaluation software SAPHIRE; Technis BETAPLUS; Test automation software; The MathWorks MATLAB
; Three-dimensional motion capture software; Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Charting software - Charting software
- Cloud-based management software - Splunk Enterprise π₯
- Compliance software - Equipment compliance testing software
- Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD π₯; Bioreactor Design; Cadence Allegro Design Entry Capture and Capture CIS; Cadence Encounter Test; Computer aided design CAD software; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks π₯; Electronic design automation EDA software; Mathsoft Mathcad; Mentor Graphics software; OrCAD Capture; PTC Creo Elements/Pro; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire; Schematic design entry software; Zuken electrical design software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software
- Configuration management software - IBM Rational ClearCase
- Data base reporting software - SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
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Data base user interface and query software -
Failure rate database software; Microsoft Access π₯; Oracle Database π₯; Structured query language SQL ; Thomson Reuters EndNote
- Development environment software - Ada; Advanced computer simulation language ACSL; C π₯; Hardware description language HDL; IBM Rational ClearQuest; Integrated development environment IDE software; Microsoft Azure software π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic π₯; National Instruments LabVIEW; Software development tools; Verilog
- Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook π₯
- Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML π₯; Microsoft Teams π₯; Rapid application development RAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Ab Initio; ERP software; SAP software π₯
- Expert system software - NeuroSolutions for MatLab
- Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator π₯; Adobe Photoshop π₯; ImageJ
- Medical software - ADInstruments LabChart; Electromyograph analysis software; Gait analysis software; Instrument control software; Instrument validation software; Medical imaging software; Medical information software; Virtual instrument software
-
Object or component oriented development software -
C++ π₯; Oracle Java π₯; Python ; R
-
Office suite software -
Microsoft Office software
- Operating system software - Linux π₯; Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows π₯; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; UNIX π₯
- Pattern design software - Diagramming software
- Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint π₯
- Process mapping and design software - Lucidchart; Microsoft Visio π₯
- Program testing software - Defect tracking software; System testing software; User interface design software
- Project management software - Microsoft Project π₯; Project estimation software
- Requirements analysis and system architecture software - IBM Rational RequisitePro; Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML
- Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel π₯
- Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML π₯; Hypertext preprocessor PHP; JavaScript π₯
- Word processing software - Microsoft Word π₯; Word processing software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
- Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
- Develop software or computer applications.
- Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
- Create models of engineering designs or methods.
- Prepare procedural documents.
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
- Advise customers on the use of products or services.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
- Design medical devices or appliances.
- Devise research or testing protocols.
- Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
- Develop technical methods or processes.
- Maintain operational records or records systems.
- Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
- Estimate operational costs.
- Estimate time requirements for development or production projects.
- Prepare detailed work plans.
- Prepare technical reports for internal use.
- Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
- Update technical knowledge.