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Research Development Medical Device Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

Mobile Device Engineer II Location: Washington, DC Type: Contract To Hire Compensation: $38.44 (Pay ... medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as ...

Mobile Device Engineer II Location: Washington, DC Type: Contract To Hire Compensation: $38.44 (Pay ... medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as ...

Be Seen First

We are seeking a Quality Manufacturing Engineer extensive experience in Medical Devices to oversee Manufacturing Quality projects and line transfers for a Medical Device company. The perfect ...

Be Seen First

We are seeking a Quality Manufacturing Engineer extensive experience in Medical Devices to oversee Manufacturing Quality projects and line transfers for a Medical Device company. The perfect ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Development Medical Device Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$22.7K

$109.4K

$171K

How much do research development medical device engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development medical device engineer in Washington, DC is $109,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development medical device engineer do?

A Research Development Medical Device Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new medical devices or improving existing ones. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including clinicians, regulatory specialists, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure that devices are safe, effective, and compliant with industry standards. Their work involves prototyping, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting results throughout the product development lifecycle. Additionally, they may help navigate regulatory approval processes and support product launches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development medical device engineer?

To thrive as a Research Development Medical Device Engineer, you need a strong background in biomedical engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and experience with product development processes, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, regulatory standards such as ISO 13485, and potentially Six Sigma or similar certifications is important. Creativity, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork skills help drive innovation and solve complex engineering challenges in multidisciplinary environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure medical devices are safe, effective, and compliant with industry regulations while meeting user and market needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by research development medical device engineers when bringing a new device from concept to prototype?

Research Development Medical Device Engineers often encounter challenges such as navigating strict regulatory requirements, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and balancing innovation with manufacturability. Ensuring the device meets safety and efficacy standards while staying within budget and timeline constraints can be demanding. Additionally, effective collaboration with clinicians, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams is crucial to address technical hurdles and incorporate user feedback throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Research Development Medical Device Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch Development Medical Device EngineerProduct Development Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Biomedical, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or related fields; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, clinical settingsManufacturing, design teams, product testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMedical device companies, biotech firms, healthcare institutionsMedical device companies, tech firms, manufacturing industries

The Research Development Medical Device Engineer focuses on early-stage research, innovation, and prototype development of medical devices. In contrast, the Product Development Engineer emphasizes designing, testing, and refining products for manufacturing and market release. Both roles require technical expertise, but their focus and project stages differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Medical Device Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Research Development Medical Device Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development Medical Device Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Research Development Medical Device Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,376 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Medical Device Engineer or Materials Scientist (Implantable Device Degradation)

Tunnell Government Services

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

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

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.ย  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.ย 

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.ย 
  • 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:ย  Full Time Employee

Schedule:ย  Monday through Friday (No Holidays)

Location:ย  This position is 100% telework.ย 

Must be US Citizen or full Green Card holder.