biomedical engineering
The biomedical engineering processes used to create medical devices, prostheses and in treatments.
Medical device engineering technicians collaborate with medical device engineers in the design, development and production of medical-technical systems, installations, and equipment such as pacemakers, MRI machines, and X-ray devices. They build, install, inspect, modify, repair, calibrate, and maintain medical-technical equipment and support systems. Medical device engineering technicians are responsible for the operational readiness, safe use, economic operation and the appropriate procurement of medical equipment and facilities in hospitals.
Competences and skills
79 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 10 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
10 competencesdesign drawings
The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
electrical wiring plans
Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.
electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
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.
medical device regulations
The set of national and international regulations with regards to the manufacture, safety, and distribution of medical devices.
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.
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.
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.
pneumatics
The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.
Essential skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
24 competencesadjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
align components
Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.
assist scientific research
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
conduct routine machinery checks
Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
consult technical resources
Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
fasten components
Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.
inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
install electrical and electronic equipment
Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.
install pneumatic systems
Install systems and components that use pneumatics to create mechanical movements such as air brakes, pneumatic cylinders, air compressors and other systems.
liaise with engineers
Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
maintain medical devices
Ensure all medical devices and appliances are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.
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.
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.
perform maintenance on installed equipment
Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.
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.
prepare production prototypes
Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
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.
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.
repair medical devices
Repair or modify medical appliances and supportive devices according to the specifications.
resolve equipment malfunctions
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
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.
use measurement instruments
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
use testing equipment
Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
wear cleanroom suit
Wear garments appropriate for environments that require a high level of cleanliness to control the level of contamination.
Optional knowledge 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competencemechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
Cross-sector
15 competencesbiomedical 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.
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.
biotechnology
The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
CAD software
The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
digital
- Scope note
- CAD software should be differentiated from computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. CADD systems are CAD systems with additional drafting features. For example, CADD systems enable an engineer or architect to insert size annotations and other notes into a design.
CAE software
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.
digital
diagnostic radiology
Diagnostic radiology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
electrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
electronics
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.
digital
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
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.
hydraulics
The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
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.
medical imaging technology
Set of technologies used to creating visual representations of the body interior for the purposes of clinical analysis.
digital
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.
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.
Optional skills and competences 29 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencefinish medical devices
Complete the manufacture of medical devices such as prostheses by sanding, smoothing, applying paint or lacquer layers, stuffing and covering some parts with leather or textile.
Sector-specific
5 competencesestimate restoration costs
Estimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.
negotiate sales contracts
Come to an agreement between commercial partners with a focus on terms and conditions, specifications, delivery time, price etc.
provide customer information related to repairs
Inform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.
provide legal information on medical devices
Provide the healthcare staff with information about the clinical tests undertaken on a specific medical device, the legal documentation concerning its marketability and sales activity and provide any documentation in support of this.
write records for repairs
Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
Cross-sector
23 competencesadvise on medical device features
Provide information on how the medical device is functioning, what are its features, advantages and usability terms.
advise on safety improvements
Provide relevant recommendations following the conclusion of an investigation; ensure that recommendations are duly considered and where appropriate acted upon.
apply soldering techniques
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of soldering, such as soft soldering, silver soldering, induction soldering, resistance soldering, pipe soldering, mechanical and aluminium soldering.
apply technical communication skills
Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
assemble machines
Put together devices, and components according to drawings. Program and install the components where needed.
integrate new products in manufacturing
Assist with the integration of new systems, products, methods, and components in the production line. Ensure that production workers are properly trained and follow the new requirements.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
manage inspections of equipment
Monitor formal or official viewings and examinations in order to regularly test and inspect property and equipment.
manipulate medical devices materials
Manipulate materials used in the manufacturing of medical devices such as metal alloys, stainless steel, composites or polymer glass.
monitor machine operations
Observing machine operations and evaluating product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.
operate precision machinery
Operate machinery used for the making of small systems or components with a high level of precision.
operate soldering equipment
Use soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.
operate welding equipment
Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.
order supplies
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
perform ICT troubleshooting
Identify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.
digital
perform risk analysis
Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
prepare compliance documents
Prepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.
program firmware
Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
digital
solder electronics
Operate and use soldering tools and soldering iron, which supply high temperatures to melt the solder and to join electronic components.
use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
digital
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.
write inspection reports
Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection's processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.