1

Medical Device Research And Development Jobs in Washington

Director, Research & Development Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310 ... medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

... Research & Development team focused on innovative medical devices. In this onsite role in ... Contribute to the design and development of a medical device platform, including enclosure design ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$115 - $150/hr

... Research & Development team focused on innovative medical devices. In this onsite role in ... Contribute to the design and development of a medical device platform, including enclosure design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Medical Device Research And Development information

What is medical device research and development?

Medical device research and development (R&D) is the process of designing, creating, testing, and improving medical devices used for diagnosing, treating, or preventing health conditions. This field combines engineering, biology, and medicine to develop innovative tools ranging from simple instruments to complex implantable devices. Professionals in this area work on everything from concept development and prototyping to clinical trials and regulatory approval. Their work ensures that medical devices are safe, effective, and meet strict regulatory standards before reaching patients.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in medical device research and development, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in Medical Device Research and Development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, balancing innovation with safety, and coordinating cross-functional teams. Managing these challenges involves staying current with FDA and international regulations, fostering open communication between engineering, clinical, and regulatory teams, and maintaining rigorous documentation throughout the development process. Strong project management skills and a collaborative mindset are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring successful product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in medical device research and development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Medical Device Research and Development, you need a solid background in engineering or life sciences, along with experience in product design and knowledge of regulatory standards. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and compliance systems such as ISO 13485 or FDA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure innovative, safe, and compliant medical devices that meet both clinical needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Medical Device Research And Development vs Medical Device Quality Assurance?

AspectMedical Device Research And DevelopmentMedical Device Quality Assurance
CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in R&DQuality certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentLabs, design teams, product developmentInspection facilities, compliance departments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, biotech firms, innovation labsRegulatory agencies, manufacturing companies
Search & Comparison IntentInnovation, product development, prototypingCompliance, testing, product validation

Medical Device Research And Development focuses on designing and developing new medical devices, emphasizing innovation and prototyping. In contrast, Medical Device Quality Assurance ensures products meet safety and regulatory standards through testing and compliance. Both roles are essential in the medical device industry but serve different stages of the product lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Medical Device Research And Development jobs in Washington?

For Medical Device Research And Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Medical Device Research And Development job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Medical Device Engineer or Materials Scientist (Implantable Device Degradation)

Tunnell Government Services

Bethesda, MD

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Medical Device Engineer or Materials Scientist (Implantable Device Degradation) SME Position Description - 12 Month Term Position 

The successful candidate will be either an Engineer (Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical) or Materials Scientist and Medical Device subject matter expert, with extensive experience involving degradation (fretting, wear, and corrosion) of implantable medical devices.

They will provide scientific, technical, product development, product validation, and sustaining engineering advice as part of regulatory review of medical devices, with specific attention to premarket submissions that include mechanical functions. Such submissions include Premarket Notification (510(k)), Premarket Approval Application (PMA), etc.

The candidate should possess expertise and/or direct experience enabling the competent analysis of key components of the regulatory approach to assess device risk to a patient, a user of a device, or others in the environment of use. These include, but are not limited to analysis of aspects such as device design and modeling, analysis and simulation, material selection, prototyping and testing, manufacturing, documentation, and human factors/ergonomics.

The candidate should be familiar with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as, but not limited to, FDA Guidances (Appropriate Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards in Premarket Submissions for Medical Devices), US regulatory standards (21 CFR Part 820 -- Quality System Regulation), and ANSI standards (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14971: Medical devices - Applications of risk management to medical devices).

The candidate should also possess expertise, and/or direct experience enabling them to act as a subject matter expert on matters pertaining to medical device basic safety and essential performance.  The candidate should also have experience involving the design and analysis of medical device systems, and performance of, and interpretation of results produced through standardized device testing approaches, in support of regulatory approval. The candidate should have appropriate training and experience necessary to provide effective consulting support in medical devices areas such as but not limited to shear stress evaluation, flow optimization, and standardized safety testing (i.e. ISO 10993-4). The candidate's experience should include knowledge of applicable standards, testing procedures, testing equipment, verification and validation of methods, preparation of test plans, reporting of results. 

Qualifications

  • The candidate must possess an advanced degree (MS, PhD) in in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent.
  • The candidate must possess specific, demonstrable expertise and experience involving degradation (fretting, wear, corrosion) of implantable medical devices, preferably orthopedic and cardiovascular implants. Prior work experience and/or publications in peer-reviewed sources is necessary to demonstrate qualifications. 
  • The candidate must have experience with mechanical and chemical performance testing of orthopedic and cardiovascular medical device implants.
  • 10 years of experience is required (direct experience in medical device engineering and/or materials science)
  • General knowledge and experience with a variety of medical device development technical disciplines
  • Experience with directly supporting FDA 510(k) and related regulatory submissions
  • Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to communicate well with others using excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively work both independently and within a team of technical personnel.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

Responsibilities

  • The primary focus of the role is to support analyses of medical device degradation relative to regulatory and technical aspects of mechanical/chemical engineering or materials science.
  • Provide consultation related to supporting medical device reviews (EUA, 510(k), PMA, IDE, Combination Devices, and De Novo marketing applications, Pre-submissions)
  • Participate in meetings and teleconferences; coordinate meetings with internal and external stakeholders
  • Develop written reviews and correspondence
  • Write detailed documents and reports

Job Type:  Full Time Employee

Schedule:  Monday through Friday (No Holidays)

Location:  This position is 100% telework. 

Must be US Citizen or full Green Card holder.