9 Types of Engineering Jobs in Surgery and Intervention

The demand for biomedical engineers is steadily increasing, with national projections forecasting over 5% job growth by 2034. Within the field, there is a particularly high demand for engineers specializing in healthcare and surgical innovation, as the intersection of engineering and medicine continues to drive transformative advances in patient care and surgical technology.

Read more: Engineering in Medicine: Biomedical Engineering vs. Surgery Engineering

As this demand grows, so does the need for advanced education that prepares engineers to lead at the forefront of surgical innovation. While there are several paths to a master’s degree in engineering, earning a Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention provides specialized preparation for a wide range of meaningful, long-term careers in surgical and interventional medical technology

Exploring Careers in Engineering: Surgery and Intervention

The following engineering careers in surgery and intervention offer exciting opportunities to innovate in healthcare—and for most of them, pursuing a master’s degree in engineering can give you the skills and experience you need to succeed.

Robotics Engineer

What does a robotics engineer do? Robotics engineers analyze, design, program, and test robotic systems that can operate independently or alongside humans. In the medical field, these engineers develop life-saving robotics systems and software that improve surgical precision, patient outcomes, and overall efficiency in healthcare. 

How much does a robotics engineer make? Salaries vary by experience and specialization, but medical robotics engineers often earn competitive wages, reflecting the technical expertise and critical impact of their work. According to Glassdoor, the median robotics engineer salary is $147K/year.

Medical Device Engineer

What does a medical device engineer do? Medical device engineers are specialized medical engineers who design, develop, and test innovative surgical tools and instruments used in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Their work directly impacts patient care by creating devices that improve precision, safety, and efficiency in clinical procedures.

How much do medical device engineers make? Salaries vary depending on experience, specialization, and the type of healthcare facility. Still, medical device engineers are generally well-compensated due to the high technical skill and critical impact of their work. According to Glassdoor, the median medical device engineer salary is $139K/year.

Imaging Engineer

What does an imaging engineer do? Imaging engineers are responsible for installing, inspecting, maintaining, and calibrating medical imaging equipment, including MRI machines, CT scanners, radiology devices, and arthroscopic surgical imaging tools. Their work ensures that imaging systems operate safely and accurately, providing critical support for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

How much do imaging engineers make? Salaries vary based on experience, equipment specialization, and work environment, but imaging engineers are generally well compensated due to their technical expertise and essential role in modern healthcare. According to Glassdoor, the median medical imaging engineer salary is $151K/year.

Healthcare Data Scientist

What does a healthcare data scientist do? Healthcare data scientists specialize in analyzing large volumes of medical and clinical data to generate actionable insights that improve patient outcomes. They develop data-driven strategies to enable faster, more accurate diagnoses, optimize treatment plans, and reduce risks, ultimately helping healthcare providers deliver more effective care.

How much does a healthcare data scientist make? Salaries vary by experience, specialization, and workplace; however, healthcare data scientists are highly valued and well compensated due to the critical impact of their work on improving patient care and operational efficiency. According to Glassdoor, the median healthcare data scientist salary is $149K/year. 

Medical Instrumentation Engineer

What is an instrumentation engineer? Medical instrumentation engineers design, develop, and maintain medical equipment used to monitor and control surgical and clinical systems. Their work ensures that devices operate safely, accurately, and efficiently during procedures, directly supporting patient care and surgical outcomes.

How much does a medical instrumentation engineer make? Salaries vary by experience and specialization, but medical instrumentation engineers are well compensated due to the critical role they play in maintaining and advancing surgical technologies. According to Glassdoor, the median biomedical instrumentation engineer salary is $127K/year.

Project Engineer

What is a project engineer? Project engineers in healthcare oversee the technical and engineering processes of medical projects, ensuring the design, consistency, and functionality of devices or systems from conception to implementation. They act as a bridge between engineering teams, clinical staff, and project stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

How much does a project engineer make? Salaries vary by experience and project scope, but project engineers in medical settings are highly valued for their ability to deliver complex projects safely, efficiently, and on time. According to Glassdoor, the median project engineer salary is $106K/year.

Simulation Engineer

What does a simulation engineer do? Simulation engineers use technological tools to model and predict the behavior of medical devices or surgical systems without physically testing them. They ensure that both software and hardware meet quality standards, regulatory compliance, and real-world usability before implementation.

How much does a simulation engineer make? Salaries vary based on expertise and specialization, but simulation engineers are compensated competitively due to their critical role in validating technologies before they are used in patient care. According to Glassdoor, the median simulation engineer salary is $138K/year.

Biomedical Engineer

What does a biomedical engineer do? Biomedical engineers combine knowledge of medicine, biology, and engineering to develop technologies that improve patient care. Their innovations include medical diagnostic machines, surgical instruments, artificial organs, prosthetics, and joint replacement parts, all aimed at enhancing health and quality of life.

How much does a biomedical engineer make? Salaries vary depending on experience, specialty, and workplace, but biomedical engineers are highly valued for their ability to drive innovation in medical technology and patient care. According to Glassdoor, the median biomedical engineer salary is $125K/year.

Materials Engineer

What does a materials engineer do? Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used in a wide range of products, including biomedical devices, surgical instruments, and medical implants. They study the properties and structures of substances to create new materials that meet specific mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements critical for medical and surgical applications.

How much does a materials engineer make? Salaries vary depending on specialization and experience, but materials engineers are highly valued for their expertise in designing durable, safe, and effective materials for cutting-edge medical and surgical technologies. According to Glassdoor, the median materials engineer salary is $122K/year.

FAQ: Different Types of Engineering Jobs in Surgery and Intervention

What types of engineering jobs are available in surgery and intervention?

The field encompasses a range of roles where engineers collaborate closely with medical teams to design, develop, and maintain surgical and interventional technologies. Key careers include:

Are there other types of engineering jobs in this field?

Yes, the field of surgical and interventional engineering is quite broad. Other specialized roles not discussed in this resource include:

How much do engineers make in surgery and intervention?

Salaries for engineers in surgery and intervention vary depending on factors such as specialization, experience, education, and workplace setting.

Pursuing a Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention can increase earning potential, open doors to leadership roles, and position professionals for long-term, high-impact careers in the rapidly growing field of surgical and interventional engineering.

How do I choose which engineering career in surgery and intervention to pursue?

Choosing the right engineering career within surgery and intervention starts with evaluating your interests, technical strengths, and long-term career goals. Ask yourself questions like:

• Do I enjoy hands-on design and prototyping, or am I more interested in data analysis, modeling, and simulation?
• Am I drawn to patient-facing technology, such as surgical robots and wearable instrumentation, or am I more drawn to clinical processes and how to achieve the best treatment outcomes?
• Do I prefer working in a clinical environment, a research lab, or a medical technology company?

Engineering careers in surgery and intervention span across these broad spaces, and your choices can help you find a fulfilling career at the junction of engineering and medicine. Pursuing a Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention can also provide exposure to multiple specialties, helping you make an informed decision and prepare for a successful, lifelong career in this growing field.

How can I become an engineer in surgery and intervention?

Becoming an engineer in surgery and intervention typically requires a combination of advanced education, technical training, and hands-on experience in biomedical or surgical engineering. Pursuing a Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention will equip you with the technical skills, clinical fluency, and professional experiences that today’s employers are actively seeking.

Vanderbilt University’s MEng in Surgery and Intervention (ESI)

Vanderbilt University’s Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention (ESI) is a unique program that allows engineers to stay close to their technical strengths while stepping directly into the healthcare environment—not just to support treatment, but to help shape it. Brought forth by engineers and physicians, the ESI MEng offers students a unique chance to work directly in hospital settings, observing surgical procedures, understanding clinical workflows, and designing systems alongside the professionals who rely on them daily.

For engineers seeking a hands-on, interdisciplinary program that combines technical expertise with real-world impact, the MEng in Surgery and Intervention offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to drive innovation in surgical and interventional technology.

The future of medicine depends on engineers who actively shape the tools and systems that transform patient outcomes. Are you ready to join the next generation of surgical innovators and make a real impact in healthcare?

Download our free guide—Vanderbilt’s MEng Degree in Surgery and Intervention: A Unique Path for a Different Kind of Engineer—to learn more about pursuing this one-of-a-kind education.

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