Skip to content
ESCO occupation

medical device engineer

Back to ESCO occupations

Medical device engineers design and develop medical-technical systems, installations, and equipment such as pacemakers, MRI scanners, and X-ray machines. They monitor the whole manufacturing process from concept design to product implementation. activities undertaken include, among others, designing product improvements, developing methods and techniques to evaluate design suitability, coordinating initial production, developing test procedures, and designing manufacturing diagrams.

2152.1.5 ISCO 2152 ESCO source
Competences
101
Groups
4
Essential
40
Optional
61

Competences and skills

101 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 16 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
analytical methods in biomedical sciences

The various research, mathematical or analytical methods used in biomedical sciences.

ESCO source
engineering processes

The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

14 competences
biomedical engineering

The biomedical engineering processes used to create medical devices, prostheses and in treatments.

ESCO source
biomedical science

The principles of the natural sciences applied to medicine. Medical sciences such as medical microbiology and clinical virology apply biology principles for medical knowledge and invention.

ESCO source
biomedical techniques

The various methods and techniques used in biomedical laboratory such as molecular and biomedical techniques, imaging techniques, genetic engineering, electrophysiology techniques and in silico techniques.

ESCO source
design drawings

The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.

ESCO source
engineering principles

The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

ESCO source
mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

ESCO source
mechanics

Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

ESCO source
medical device regulations

The set of national and international regulations with regards to the manufacture, safety, and distribution of medical devices.

ESCO source
medical device test procedures

The methods of testing the quality, accuracy, and performance of medical devices and their materials and components before, during, and after the building of the systems.

ESCO source
medical devices

Equipment and devices used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of medical issues. Medical devices cover a wide range of products, ranging from syringes and protheses to MRI machinery and hearing aids.

ESCO source
medical devices materials

The different materials used to create medical devices such as polymer materials, thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather. In the choice of materials, attention must be paid to medical regulations, cost, and biocompatibility.

ESCO source
physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

ESCO source
quality standards

The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

ESCO source
technical drawings

Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

digital
ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 24 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
design medical devices

Design and develop medical devices, such as hearing aids and medical imaging equipment, according to specifications.

ESCO source
develop medical device test procedures

Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of medical devices and components before, during, and after the building of the medical device.

ESCO source
model medical devices

Model and simulate medical devices using technical design software.

digital
ESCO source
operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
ESCO source

Cross-sector

20 competences
adjust engineering designs

Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.

ESCO source
approve engineering design

Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

ESCO source
conduct literature research

Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.

ESCO source
conduct quality control analysis

Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.

ESCO source
demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

research
ESCO source
design prototypes

Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.

ESCO source
interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

research
ESCO source
manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
ESCO source
manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

ESCO source
perform data analysis

Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.

digital
ESCO source
perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
ESCO source
prepare production prototypes

Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.

ESCO source
read engineering drawings

Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.

ESCO source
record test data

Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

ESCO source
report analysis results

Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.

ESCO source
synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

research
ESCO source
test medical devices

Make sure the medical devices fit the patient and test and evaluate them to ensure they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function and comfort.

ESCO source
think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

research
ESCO source
use technical drawing software

Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

digital
ESCO source
Optional knowledge 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
mechanical engineering

Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

14 competences
biotechnology

The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.

ESCO source
CAE software

The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.

digital
ESCO source
control engineering

Subdiscipline of engineering that focuses on controlling the behaviour of systems through the use of sensors and actuators.

digital
ESCO source
diagnostic radiology

Diagnostic radiology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

ESCO source
electrical engineering

The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

ESCO source
electromechanics

The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.

ESCO source
electronics

The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.

digital
ESCO source
firmware

Firmware is a software program with a read-only memory (ROM) and a set of instructions that is permanently inscribed on a hardware device. Firmware is commonly used in electronic systems such as computers, mobile phones, and digital cameras.

digital
ESCO source
health informatics

Multidisciplinary field of computer science, information science, and social science that uses health information technology (HIT) to improve healthcare.

digital
ESCO source
human anatomy

The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.

ESCO source
mechatronics

Multidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the design of products and manufacturing processes. The combination of these areas of engineering allows for the design and development of "smart" devices and the achievement of an optimal balance between mechanical structure and control.

ESCO source
medical imaging technology

Set of technologies used to creating visual representations of the body interior for the purposes of clinical analysis.

digital
ESCO source
radiation physics in healthcare

The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.

ESCO source
radiation protection

The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 46 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
define manufacturing quality criteria

Define and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.

ESCO source
develop product design

Convert market requirements into product design and development.

ESCO source
maintain safe engineering watches

Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of the readings taken. Observe safety and emergency procedures. Observe safety precautions during a watch and take immediate actions in the event of fire or accident, with particular reference to oil systems.

ESCO source
manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
ESCO source

Cross-sector

42 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

research
ESCO source
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

research
ESCO source
apply technical communication skills

Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.

ESCO source
communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

research
ESCO source
communicate with customers

Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.

ESCO source
conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

research
ESCO source
conduct training on biomedical equipment

Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of biomedical equipment.

ESCO source
coordinate engineering teams

Plan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the research and development.

ESCO source
create technical plans

Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.

ESCO source
design firmware

Design the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.

digital
ESCO source
develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

research
ESCO source
disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

research
ESCO source
draft bill of materials

Set up a list of materials, components, and assemblies as well as the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.

ESCO source
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

research
ESCO source
evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

research
ESCO source
increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

research
ESCO source
integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

research
ESCO source
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
manipulate medical devices materials

Manipulate materials used in the manufacturing of medical devices such as metal alloys, stainless steel, composites or polymer glass.

ESCO source
manufacture medical devices

Put together medical devices according to company specifications and national and international regulations. Use specialised materials, tools, and machinery to assemble the medical devices. Apply molding, welding, or bonding techniques according to the type of medical device. Retain a high level of cleanliness throughout the manufacturing process.

ESCO source
mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

research
ESCO source
operate precision machinery

Operate machinery used for the making of small systems or components with a high level of precision.

ESCO source
perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
ESCO source
perform resource planning

Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.

ESCO source
perform test run

Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

ESCO source
prepare assembly drawings

Create the drawings that identify the different components and materials, and that provide instructions as to how they should be assembled.

ESCO source
program firmware

Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.

digital
ESCO source
promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

research
ESCO source
promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

research
ESCO source
promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

research
ESCO source
publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

research
ESCO source
repair medical devices

Repair or modify medical appliances and supportive devices according to the specifications.

ESCO source
solder electronics

Operate and use soldering tools and soldering iron, which supply high temperatures to melt the solder and to join electronic components.

ESCO source
speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

research
ESCO source
teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

research
ESCO source
train employees

Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

ESCO source
use CAD software

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

digital
ESCO source
use precision tools

Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.

ESCO source
wear cleanroom suit

Wear garments appropriate for environments that require a high level of cleanliness to control the level of contamination.

ESCO source
write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

research
ESCO source