5 In-demand Skills in the Medical Device Jobs Market

The medical device sector is dynamic and rapidly advancing, driven by innovations such as wearable sensors, implantable devices, and remote patient monitoring solutions. Due to the diverse range of jobs in the industry, from sales to regulations to engineering, there are a number of skills in high demand. 

But what are these skills, and why are they vital in the medical device industry? Our guide provides an in-depth exploration of 5 of the most sought-after skills. 

What are the Most In-demand Skills in the Medical Device Sector? 

Medical device professionals will have to blend various skills to succeed in their medical device jobs. Given the high-stakes nature of the field, extensive regulatory compliance knowledge is imperative. They will also display engineering expertise for medical device product development and other engineering skills and core competencies. 

1. Regulatory Knowledge 

Irrespective of where medical device companies operate, they will have their respective regulatory authorities. For example: 

• United States: Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• European Union: Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR).
• United Kingdom: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

As mentioned, medical device roles carry higher levels of risk. Consequently, there is a stronger focus on duty of care and stricter measures to minimize these risks. This is illustrated by the classification system that groups medical devices based on their level of risk: 

• Class I: Low-risk devices that involve minimal contact with patients and little to no risk to their health. These could include bandages, stethoscopes, and oxygen masks. 
• Class II: These devices pose a moderate risk to patients. They include catheters, syringes, and oximeters. 
• Class III: The highest-risk medical device products are pacemakers, cochlear implants, and renal stents.

Before a device is approved to be used by the public, medical device companies must be able to satisfy certain requirements: 

• Registration and Listing: Medical device manufacturers are required to register their establishments and list their devices with their respective regulatory authorities. 
• Premarket Approval: Depending on the classification of the device, manufacturers may have to submit either a Premarket Notification 510(k) or a Premarket Approval (PMA) application. 
• Quality Management System (QMS): Manufacturers must incorporate and maintain a QMS that meets regulatory expectations. 
• Labelling: Devices must be labelled according to specific standards to ensure their safe use. 
• Unique Device Identification: In order for devices to be traced, many will require UDIs on their label and packaging. 
• Post-Market Surveillance: Medical device companies must display due care and monitor their devices once released. They must also report anomalies via systems like the FDA's Medical Device Reporting (MDR). 

2. Biomedical Engineering 

Engineering disciplines, particularly biomedical engineering, share a close relationship with aspects of the life sciences industry. Engineering principles are often transferable to medical device jobs, playing a vital part in medical device product development and their implementation. Here’s an overview of some key areas: 

Research and Development 

R&D is a critical component of medical device manufacturing and is one of the prime driving forces for its continued progression. Without R&D, innovation would stall. It’s a necessity and allows medical device companies to:

• Address patient needs with new and improved medical devices. 
• Improve existing devices for enhanced safety and better patient outcomes. 
• Leverage novel technologies and materials to elevate approaches to treatment. 

Medical device products must be safe to use. To ensure this, rigorous R&D is conducted to determine the efficacy of devices by: 

• Conducting pre-clinical and clinical testing of devices. 
• Identifying and mitigating possible risks. 
• Collecting data after market approval for sustained safety and performance. 

Thorough research and development processes are vital in medical device jobs in order for regulatory requirements to be met. R&D aids with the following: 

• Ensuring applications are sufficiently prepared for submission. 
• Designing and implementing processes that meet quality standards. 
• As discussed, post-market surveillance is necessary for devices to be monitored after their release.

Medical Device Design 

Roles such as medical device engineers are vital in this area as they are at the forefront of innovation that improves patient care and health efficiency. Having experts with high-level engineering skills allows medical device manufacturers to design products that increase efficiency and improve medical care. Examples include implantable medical devices and portable diagnostic tools: 

• Persona IQ: The first smart knee implant approved by the FDA that measures range of motion, step count and other gait metrics. 
• Axonics Therapy: Leading the way in urology treatments is Axonics’ miniature implant that uses stimulation to control the bladder and bowel. 
• Kardiamobile: This is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) that provides earlier detection of atrial fibrillation away from a traditional hospital environment. 
• StrokeDx: Early studies have recorded a diagnostic time between 1 and 2.5 minutes. As this tech develops, scanning will become automated and, therefore, faster.
• FreeStyle Libre: This system manages glucose levels with a small sensor and a handheld device to display readings. 

Materials Science and Biocompatibility 

Materials science and biocompatibility are pivotal elements of medical device product development - especially where implantable medical devices are concerned. A high degree of diligence is required to ensure that products are safe to come into contact with the human body. This is important for:

• Eliminating the risk of toxic effects on biological systems. 
• Mitigating the likelihood of the body rejecting devices. 
• Ensuring optimal functionality without causing harm. 

The device must not only be operational and safe for the body, it must also be durable. A Medical device engineer must consider these points:

• Mechanical Properties: The device must be robust, flexible, and able to cope with the demands of its use. 
• Chemical Stability: Functionality must not be impeded by bodily fluids. 
• Structural Characteristics: Must have the appropriate dimensions and microstructure for its application. 

3. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills  

Problem-solving skills are the fabric of engineering and are equally valued in medical device jobs. Let’s explore some examples:

Quality Assurance 

Covering patient safety, cost reduction and risk mitigation, product reliability, and quality assurance are integral aspects of medical device product development. 

• Patient Safety: Quality assurance measures allow medical device manufacturers to reduce the risk of product failures and ensure safety standards are met. This can be done via root cause analysis to detect the source of defects and by incorporating corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to combat quality issues. 
• Cost Reduction and Risk Mitigation: Utilising problem-solving skills in the quality assurance process can spare medical device companies their reputation and money. 
• Product Consistency and Reliability: Ensures medical device manufacturing is consistent, minimizes dips in product performance, increases device reliability, and creates trust among professionals and patients. 

Manufacturing 

Issues may occur during the manufacturing process that will need quick problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills can also lead to streamlined processes. 

• Troubleshooting: Identifying quick fixes for medical device malfunctions on the production line is imperative. 
• Efficiency: Finding methods to optimize processes and reduce waste. 
• Disruption Resolution: Implementing measures to rectify supply chain issues that could be detrimental to production schedules. 

Overcoming Rigid Regulations 

As mentioned, regulatory compliance is a key component of medical device jobs. Strong problem-solving skills can help navigate complex policies. Here’s how: 

• Interpretation: It’s key to determine how new regulations impact existing medical devices. 
• Implementing Strategies: Finding ways to make devices that don’t meet new standards compliant. 
• Addressing Concerns: Reservations regarding products may be raised. It’s important to provide solutions to quell these concerns. 

4. Project Management 

Due to its complexity, project management skills are extremely useful in medical device jobs. Here’s why:

Meeting Regulatory Standards 

As outlined throughout our guide, regulatory compliance is a prominent feature of medical device manufacturing. Project management skills can help with: 

• Ensuring the maintenance of necessary documentation. 
• Implementing a QMS that covers risk management.
• Encouraging team focus so that regulatory compliance is satisfied. 

Cost Control 

Medical device manufacturing costs vary depending on several factors, including materials, production volume, and regulatory requirements. However, it’s generally an expensive process: 

• Class II medical devices can cost between $2 and $5 million, with FDA approval costing roughly $30 million. 
• From concept to FDA approval, Class III medical devices can cost an estimated $94 million.

Project management skills are essential to ensure viable budgets are established and maintained.

Time and Risk Management 

Medical device product development is a competitive market, and it is essential to get products to market quickly with minimal risk. Project management skills allow: 

• Achievable milestones in realistic timeframes. 
• Risk management to be integrated throughout the product lifecycle. 

5. Sales and Business Development 

When introducing a new medical device to the market, several skills are needed to drive its success; this includes company expansion and gaining a competitive advantage. Many of the following skills are synonymous with roles such as regional sales managers and business development managers: 

• Driving Business Growth: Growth isn’t possible without efforts to identify new opportunities. Conducting market research, building effective relationships with stakeholders, and staying abreast of industry trends are all necessary for continued development. 
• Leadership Qualities: A regional sales manager must lead a team of sales associates. This includes training and mentorship, ensuring they perform and bring value to medical device companies. They also study sales performance metrics to highlight areas for growth. 
• Effective Solutions: Developing and implementing sales strategies that deliver results are essential. This can be achieved by working with marketing teams to build campaigns promoting products. 
• Customer Collaboration: Forming a rapport with professionals and institutions is key. Professionals within medical device sales are often a representation of a company. It’s imperative that they hold themselves to a high standard and deliver exceptional customer service. 

Final Say: 5 In-demand Skills Needed for Medical Device Jobs

The medical device sector is constantly evolving, and having the right skills is essential to stay competitive. From regulatory knowledge to engineering expertise, professionals who can navigate the industry's complexities are in high demand. These skills not only support the development of safer, more effective devices but also drive the continued growth of the sector.

To succeed in this fast-paced field, it's important to focus on key areas of expertise that align with current industry needs. As technology advances and regulations become more complex, professionals who keep learning and adapting will be best positioned for success in the medical device job market.

Do you Need Expert Medical Device Staffing Strategies? 

At Barrington James, we specialize in life sciences staffing, connecting businesses with high-impact talent to drive success. With offices worldwide and a team of industry experts, we bring unparalleled knowledge and precision to every search.

Explore how we can support your staffing needs in the medical device sector by visiting our dedicated page. Alternatively, reach out to speak with a team member who will tailor a solution to your unique requirements.