Biomedical engineering, or BME, combines principles of engineering, medicine, and biology to develop technologies that improve human health and healthcare systems. BME professionals bridge the gap between innovation and patient care by designing advanced prosthetics, developing medical imaging devices, and crafting tissue-engineering organs.
The Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals program shares how a master’s degree in biomedical engineering opens doors to leadership, research, and specialized roles across healthcare, biotechnology, and academia. With advanced training, you can take your career to the next level in this evolving field.
10 Excellent Biomedical Engineering Career Opportunities
Because BME encompasses knowledge and skills from several fields, there are many career opportunities for existing engineering professionals. Whether you’re looking to pivot to a different subfield of engineering or advance your existing career, here are just some of the job titles you might consider based on your interests.
1. Medical Device Engineer
What They Do: Design, develop, and test medical devices such as prosthetics, implants, diagnostic machines, and imaging equipment that will improve patient care.
Where They Work: Medical device companies, biotechnology firms, research hospitals, or startups.
Skills Needed: Advanced knowledge of materials science, biomechanics, CAD modeling, and prototyping, as well as problem-solving and project management.
Career Outlook: Currently a strong demand due to ongoing innovation in medical devices, with opportunities to lead product development and contribute to life-saving technologies.
2. Clinical Engineer
What They Do: Manage and maintain hospital equipment, evaluate new medical technologies, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Where They Work: Hospitals, health systems, medical equipment suppliers, or consulting firms.
Skills Needed: Technical troubleshooting, biomedical instrumentation, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career Outlook: There’s a growing need in healthcare facilities to integrate advanced technologies and maintain operational safety.
3. Biomedical Research Scientist
What They Do: Lead laboratory research in tissue engineering, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, or drug delivery systems.
Where They Work: Academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government labs, or research hospitals.
Skills Needed: Experimental design, molecular biology, bioengineering techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Career Outlook: There are expanding opportunities as biomedical research advances, particularly in regenerative therapies and personalized medicine.
4. Rehabilitation Engineer
What They Do: Develop assistive technologies, wearable devices, and mobility solutions to improve the quality of life for patients with disabilities.
Where They Work: Rehabilitation centers, medical device companies, nonprofit organizations, or research labs.
Skills Needed: Biomechanics, human factors engineering, prototyping, and patient-centered design.
Career Outlook: There is growing demand due to aging populations, with an increased focus on accessibility and adaptive technologies.
5. Neural or Biomechanical Engineer
What They Do: Focus on brain-machine interfaces, robotics, and musculoskeletal modeling to enhance neurological or physical function.
Where They Work: Research institutions, neurotechnology startups, robotics companies, or hospitals.
Skills Needed: Neuroengineering, computational modeling, programming, and experimental neuroscience.
Career Outlook: We’re seeing a rapid growth fueled by advancements in AI, neuroprosthetics, and robotics applications in healthcare.
6. Biomanufacturing or Process Engineer
What They Do: Scale production of biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regenerative therapies in compliant manufacturing environments.
Where They Work: Biotech and pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, or research labs.
Skills Needed: Process engineering, GMP compliance, quality control, and production optimization.
Career Outlook: There is an increasing demand as biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies expand globally.
7. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
What They Do: Navigate FDA and international regulations to ensure medical devices and therapies meet legal and safety standards.
Where They Work: Medical device firms, pharmaceutical companies, consulting agencies, or government agencies.
Skills Needed: Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, documentation management, risk assessment, and communication.
Career Outlook: A steady growth due to stringent regulatory requirements and global market expansions.
8. Bioinformatics or Computational Biomedical Engineer
What They Do: Apply data science, AI, and computational modeling to biological systems, genomics, and personalized medicine.
Where They Work: Biotech firms, research institutions, healthcare analytics companies, or in pharmaceutical R&D.
Skills Needed: Programming, statistical modeling, systems biology, machine learning, and data visualization.
Career Outlook: This career is expanding rapidly as precision medicine and AI-driven healthcare solutions advance.
9. Quality Assurance / Validation Engineer
What They Do: Ensure medical devices and technologies meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards through rigorous testing and validation.
Where They Work: Medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, or contract testing organizations.
Skills Needed: Quality systems knowledge, risk management, testing protocols, and regulatory understanding.
Career Outlook: A consistent demand as compliance and safety remain top priorities in healthcare technology.
10. Academic or Industry Research Director
What They Do: Oversee multidisciplinary research teams, drive innovation, and secure funding for advanced biomedical projects.
Where They Work: Universities, research hospitals, or related industry R&D divisions.
Skills Needed: Leadership, project management, grant writing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic vision.
Career Outlook: Opportunities continue to grow for those leading cutting-edge research and translating discoveries into clinical or commercial applications.
Emerging Frontiers in Biomedical Engineering
BME continues to evolve rapidly thanks to technological innovation and global healthcare needs. New frontiers create opportunities for professionals to apply their advanced engineering principles to complex medical challenges and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Some of the fastest-growing areas in BME include:
- AI-driven diagnostics and predictive analytics
- Nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery
- Wearable health technologies and remote monitoring devices
- Regenerative medicine and advanced tissue engineering
- Neuroengineering and brain-computer interface development
- Personalized medicine through genomics and proteomics
Biomedical engineering is also starting to intersect with sustainability and global health initiatives. Researchers and engineers are creating cost-effective medical devices, low-resource diagnostics, and eco-friendly production processes to improve healthcare access in underserved areas while minimizing environmental impact.
Modern graduate programs in biomedical engineering equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in these emerging areas. You’ll be fully prepared to tackle evolving challenges in sustainable healthcare technologies and global medical solutions. By combining technical expertise with strategic problem-solving, an advanced degree in BME can help you contribute to breakthroughs that address both local and worldwide health needs.
How a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Prepares You for Success
A master’s program in biomedical engineering immerses you in hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. For example, at JHU EP, you’ll work alongside colleagues who are scientists, physicians, and engineers at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital during a unique hybrid two-weekend residency course in Baltimore. Programs often integrate mechanical, electrical, and biological systems, and data analysis, giving you the comprehensive skill set employers are looking for right now.
Graduates with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering often experience higher earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree can earn a median of 16% more than their counterparts with only bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, the median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was $106,950 in May 2024.
The job outlook for biomedical engineers is very promising, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034 – faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, as well as the need for advanced biomedical solutions to various other health problems.
Shape the Future of Biomedical Engineering With JHU EP
A Master’s in Applied Biomedical Engineering from JHU EP is more than a degree. It proves you have the skills and knowledge to help shape the future of BME. You’ll study with practicing scientists and notable professionals in the field, as well as gain access to JHU’s state-of-the-art labs for hands-on training.
Our courses are offered part-time and online to work with the schedules of engineering professionals like you. And all of our curricula are designed by leaders in biomedical engineering.
Learn more about these and other JHU EP programs by contacting us today!