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How to Become a Biomedical Engineer: Australian Careers in Engineering

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What is a Biomedical Engineer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Biomedical Engineer?

A Biomedical Engineer uses engineering skills to solve medical problems. They design, test, and fix medical devices and tools that improve patient care. This career links healthcare and technology, offering real work with impact in a growing field.

Day-to-day tasks include designing surgical tools, setting up medical equipment, and running quality checks. Biomedical Engineers work closely with doctors, nurses, and other engineers. They make sure technology meets clinical needs and train staff to use equipment safely.

Biomedical Engineers work in hospitals, research centres, and medical device companies. They may develop prosthetics, imaging systems, or robotic surgical tools. Their work has a direct impact on patient outcomes and care quality.

Demand for Biomedical Engineers in Australia is strong. Around 1,300 people work in this field nationally (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). A growing health sector means good job options across many areas.

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Career snapshots For Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical Engineering is a small but growing field in Australia. Around 1,300 people work in this role nationally (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated as strong, driven by an ageing population and growth in medical technology.

Full-time work is the norm. Around 88% of Biomedical Engineers work full-time, with an average of 41 hours per week. Median weekly pay is $2,502, or around $130,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age is 37, and around 21% of workers are women.

Most jobs are found in health care, manufacturing, and technical services.

What will I do?

Biomedical Engineers bring engineering skills to the healthcare setting. Their work covers design, testing, upkeep, and support for medical devices in hospitals and research centres. Each task links directly to patient safety and care quality.

  • Design and develop surgical tools and equipment for clinical use
  • Install and test new medical devices to ensure they meet specifications
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair medical equipment on a regular basis
  • Carry out quality assurance checks to verify compliance with safety standards
  • Conduct electrical safety tests on all medical devices
  • Train healthcare staff in the correct use of equipment
  • Provide technical advice and troubleshooting support to clinical teams
  • Deliver briefings on electrical safety and clinical equipment use
  • Work with surgical teams to design implants such as artificial joints or titanium bone plates

What skills do I need?

A Biomedical Engineer needs a strong mix of technical and people skills. A solid grasp of maths, physics, and materials science is key for designing and testing medical devices. Skills in CAD software and tools such as MATLAB are now expected in most roles.

Communication is just as vital as technical know-how. Biomedical Engineers must explain complex ideas clearly to doctors, nurses, and health bodies. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills are a must. Good knowledge of health rules and safety standards rounds out the skill set.

Skills/attributes

  • Engineering design and principles
  • Mathematics and physics
  • Knowledge of biology and human anatomy
  • Experience with medical devices and equipment
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Project management
  • Technical writing and documentation
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • MATLAB or equivalent engineering software
  • Understanding of TGA rules and standards
  • Research and data analysis
  • Adaptability and commitment to ongoing learning

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.