Biomedical engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Work in offices, workshops, laboratories and hospitals
- Need to be accurate, methodical and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Design medical equipment, products and machines
- Test medical equipment, products and machines
- Develop software for medical equipment
- Create computer simulations of medical systems
- Analyse data to check equipment performance
- Write instructions for using equipment
- Train workers to use equipment
- Explain technical information to suppliers and agencies
Outlook
Biomedical engineering has a steady outlook as healthcare, rehabilitation and medical technology continue to evolve. In New Zealand, growth is linked to an ageing population, digital health, assistive technologies and medical device innovation. Globally, advances in wearable devices, AI, robotics and personalised healthcare are shaping the field. Opportunities are likely to be strongest where engineering, health and technology overlap, rather than in large numbers of traditional roles.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong problem-solving and design thinking
- Good understanding of biology, physics, maths and engineering
- Ability to work with health professionals and patients
- Careful attention to safety, testing and quality standards
- Clear communication, including explaining technical ideas simply
- Curiosity about new medical technologies and digital tools
AUT programmes
- Mechanical Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.