Technology is a key feature of modern medical care: think X-rays, COVID test kits, pacemakers, knee implants, artificial limbs and MRIs. Doctors use these tools every day to provide critical care to patients across the world.  

Many of these innovations are thanks to the efforts of biomedical engineers. Biomedical engineering , a subfield of bioengineering, sits at the intersection of engineering, biology and health care.  

These engineers work at the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving industry, developing technical solutions to biological challenges. They often work with health care providers to identify problems in health care, then use their specialized skill set to design equipment, devices or computer systems. 

“If you want to support, enhance or improve the condition a person has, then that would be an application of bioengineering,” says University of the Pacific bioengineering professor Shelly Gulati. “If you want to be able to do monitoring of health variables, steps, stuff like that, then that would be a way to measure health that requires an engineering solution.” 

The health care field, like much of our economy, is highly technology-driven. You can see that reflected in the growing need for bioengineers and biomedical engineers. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, for example, expects employment to grow by around 7% over the next decade. Compare that to the average career, which the BLS projects to grow by 4% in the same period.  

If you’re thinking about getting into the field as you head toward college, we’ll go into more detail about how it differs from the broader field of bioengineering, cover what biomedical engineers do and go over some jobs you can do with the degree.  

Bioengineering vs. biomedical engineering

Bioengineers use the principles and technology of engineering to tackle biological problems. As we’ve mentioned, you likely see their work when you go to the doctor. But they also do innovative work with consumer goods, energy or materials production, sustainability industries, agriculture and more.  

For example, some food you eat may be bioengineered or made with bioengineered crops. Athletes use bioengineered technology to monitor and improve their training regiments. And bioengineering principles can be deployed to create sustainable biofuels.   

“Students who come from the bioengineering perspective are motivated by the problem,” Gulati says. “They’re motivated by the application of the problem to one of those areas and they will learn what other disciplines’ information is going to be necessary to solve that problem.” 

One of those problems is health, where is where biomedical engineering comes in. This field applies engineering concepts to biological systems and health care.  It seeks to advance tools that help doctors provide better care for their patients. 

Biomedical engineers may work on technologies used in diagnostics, like MRI machines, or in treatments like laser eye surgery. You might already benefit from these engineers’ work without even realizing it.  

What do biomedical engineers do? 

There are several pathways biomedical engineers can take. They may conduct research for a company, government body or other organization, creating or improving medical devices. In these roles, biomedical engineers connect patients’ problems with their specialized know-how.  

“Observation is a really important part,” Gulati says. “You can explore the empathy piece of how that nurse or doctor engages with the patient. Asking how the patient was feeling through this process, asking a lot of those questions at the user level. And then, from there, designing a solution that would benefit that.” 

Alternatively, they may work in production, ensuring a company creates high-quality, reliable technologies, medication or other goods.  

Because of their specialization, biomedical engineers may also go into government service as part of a regulatory team. Some may also work as field engineers, installing and servicing specialized technologies 

In any of these pathways, biomedical engineers have to identify problems, then draw upon a broad array of engineering or scientific disciplines to create appropriate solutions. The range of potential issues means there’s plenty of room to pursue work that calls upon your interests, whether that be robotics, neuroscience or chemistry.  

Entry-level biomedical engineering jobs

Compared to other engineering fields, biomedical engineering is a young discipline. It’s also a fast-evolving one, as its advances build on each other and open new frontiers.  

Joining the field means you will work with cutting-edge technologies and processes. It also opens doors for you to work on issues you’re really passionate about.  

“Sometimes students will bring ideas like, ‘I observed my grandparent with this. They’re navigating the world with this challenge. How can I support and help with that?’” Gulati says. “We want to help that family have a higher quality of life.” 

There are many avenues you can take into the field.  

Biomedical field service engineer

You encounter biomedical devices in almost any health care environment, from doctor’s offices to hospitals. Field service engineers ensure those devices operate properly by installing, servicing and maintaining them.  

Biomedical field service engineers may also train medical staff on proper use and care for the technology. Though you see them far less often than doctors and nurses, these engineers also play a vital role in your health care.  

Systems engineer

Systems engineers take a broad view of the projects they work on and often remain involved with a product from its initial stages through development and production. They’re generally responsible for making sure all the pieces fit together, troubleshooting product issues and communicating with all parties involved.  

Because biomedical engineers are trained to take this broad perspective, especially with an eye toward the relationship between a solution and the people who need it, they fit into these jobs very naturally.

Project engineer 

The term “project engineer” covers a broad range of actual jobs which can vary widely depending on the company and industry. Generally, though, these positions are responsible for coordinating the technical side of a project.  

Consider, for example, a project engineer who’s tasked with finding a solution for a client. They may work with a design engineer to identify or create the equipment which fits the project’s needs and budget. Then they might source the materials and coordinate with another team to assemble it into a functional product. 

Other jobs

• Manufacturing engineer 

• Clinical research associate 

• Clinical specialist 

• Process engineer 

• Design engineer 

Bioengineering at Pacific

If you want to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, Pacific’s bioengineering degree can give you a leg up as you enter the job market.  

One of the biggest advantages of Pacific is its relatively small student population, averaging around 23 students per class. Because Pacific’s engineering programs have a strong emphasis on practical education and lab work, you’ll gain experience working on teams and develop relationships with your classmates.  

Pacific also touts a 14-to-1 ratio of students to faculty members, which gives you more opportunities to build relationships with our faculty. That means there are opportunities to get involved in research, potentially even working alongside a professor.  

On top of that, Pacific also offers the Cooperative Education (CO-OP) program. You can apply on an online job board for internships offered exclusively to Pacific students. These paid positions typically last for about six to eight months. 

“That was one of the biggest attractors for UOP, because there is this company Abbott that I actually had the honor to work with,” Minervini says. “I knew they had this partnership and it’s easier to apply because you’re competing at the local level versus competing with students across the U.S.” 

During her CO-OP internship with Abbott, Minervini worked as a systems engineer. Her team ensured the company’s devices met customer needs and regulatory requirements. Minervini’s work there also helped her secure an independent internship with the biotech company Genentech.  

Unlike most other Pacific engineering programs, obtaining a CO-OP internship isn’t required to earn a bioengineering degree. That’s part of the degree’s flexibility, according to Gulati, who said students are encouraged to take advantage of bioengineering’s flexibility. They can specialize in certain topics through elective clusters, pursue research opportunities and/or get a CO-OP internship depending on what makes sense for them.  

Finally, bioengineering students will also pull together their education and experience to work on a senior project. This gives you an opportunity to make a personal fascination into a real project.  

“One example I can think of: students built a bioreactor that was intended to grow cells, care for cells and make sure they can live,” Gulati says. “That was related to a tissue engineering faculty research project.” 

Showing your experience with a practical project can help you set yourself apart from other recent graduates as you enter the job market. 

Biomedical engineering

If you’re looking for a way to combine your interests in engineering and innovative health care work, biomedical engineering might be the pathway for you. Pacific’s bioengineering program can help you step into this world, and potentially even create a product or technology that can help raise standards for patient care.  

It’s a standout field for people with diverse interests, looking for a way to pull them all together. Biomedical engineering in the workforce can mean many different things, depending on the forms of science and engineering that you’re working with.  

“Be ready for a lot of self-exploration,” Minervini says. “It’s not as straightforward as other engineering fields … because it overlaps with everyone else. You have to put in a lot of thought and try to get involved to understand what you would like to delve into more.” 

Iliana Minervini ’25 
Major: Bioengineering 
Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador 
Awards: Dean’s Honor Roll, Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient 

Pacific bioengineering major Iliana Minervini ’25 is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with medical conditions. Through her internship as a systems development engineer at Genentech, Iliana helps develop medical devices that address biomedical challenges and transform lives. Her journey to this role was challenging, but Pacific’s CO-OP program equipped her with the necessary skills to break into the industry and expand her research in biomedical technology. 

“I love the company. The products are so complex, and the job I’m doing right now, I like a lot,” Iliana said. “You don’t have a routine. It changes every week, and I like that part of the job.” 

Before securing her internship at Genentech’s subsidiary, GenMark Diagnostics, Iliana completed an eight-month CO-OP at Abbott, a health technology company, as a systems engineer. Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) provides students with real-world experience by combining classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training. The program supported Iliana as she applied her academic knowledge and built professional networks. Iliana had already developed her biomedical expertise research at Pacific working alongside Professors Fatemeh Khatami and Varadraj Vernekar on her research. 

“Thanks to the university, I got one of my very first experiences in the medical field,” Iliana said. 

Health care work runs in her family 

Born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, Iliana was inspired by her parents, who both work in the medical field. Her father, a physician, and her mother, a pharmaceutical sales representative, have supported her from afar since she moved to the United States three years ago. Choosing to major in bioengineering allowed Iliana to delve into the intricate circuits and components of the medical profession. Her dedication and experience in Pacific’s CO-OP program have opened exciting opportunities for her. 

During her CO-OP at Abbott, Iliana’s team ensured that products met all standards before submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This role involved rigorous testing to resolve any issues and ensure products were up to standard. 

“We are like the last line of defense before we submitted our work to the FDA,” Iliana explained. Her Abbott experience was invaluable when Iliana applied for the internship at Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), where she now works as a systems development engineer. 

From Abbott to GenMark 

Iliana started her internship at GenMark Diagnostics in May and works in research and development engineering, creating diagnostic devices to identify the nature or cause of medical conditions.  

“First, we have to come up with a concept or a prototype, like an idea and how to make it into an actual, tangible product. That’s what research and development is, in essence,” Iliana explained. “Right now, the company already has a design, but we’re still making some design changes to it. We are trying to make it more efficient, more compact, and faster.” 

While Pacific’s CO-OP program at Abbott opened doors, it was Iliana’s own efforts that secured her internship at Genentech’s GenMark. “Pacific gives you preliminary knowledge and develops your critical thinking, which are the main aspects you need to be successful in the industry or academia. While school won’t give you all the answers, it provides a good base.” 

Iliana is eager to continue working at a medical company like Genentech after completing her undergraduate studies.  

“It’s a gratifying field,” Iliana said. “I have enjoyed the journey because it’s a way to understand the many ways of contributing to people’s health.”

Many students cite the Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) as the reason they decided to attend Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. CO-OP gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their field for six to nine months, while also earning units toward their degree. 

We reached out to SOECS students who recently completed their CO-OPs to learn more about the benefits of the program and what they got out of the experience. Here’s what they said.  

Gain job hunting and interview skills 

Davis Young ’22 

Major: Computer engineering 

CO-OP: Micron Technology

“To prepare for CO-OP, you take a class that teaches you the professional development aspects, like resume building, LinkedIn page building, how to apply for a job and interview etiquette. The school helps facilitate the internship application process, and if one of the companies accepts you, you can get hands-on industry experiece during a whole semester and summer.” 

Learn more about Davis 

Earn a paycheck and gain work experience

Monica Castillo ’21 

Major: Electrical engineering 

CO-OP: Abbott Laboratories 

“Once you get your internship, you work with your company for six to nine months as a paid intern. At the same time, you’re taking classes that guide you through what you learn. It’s very important to do this program because you get work experience and you build your soft skills, like communicating, presenting or writing.” 

Learn how to collaborate with a team

Jordan Scharkey ’22  

Major: Computer science  

CO-OP: NVIDIA  

“My biggest takeaway from the experience is probably working as part of a large team. In a lot of programming settings, it’s really easy to get really dialed into what you are doing, just yourself. Whereas, from this experience, I became really mindful of what other members of my team were doing and how I could reach out to them for help—and when they would reach out to me for help, how I could assist them with what I knew.”  

Learn more about Jordan 

Connect classroom knowledge to industry practice  

Jenny Vo ’23 

Major: Bioengineering  

CO-OP: Abbott Laboratories 

“At Abbott, I worked in the heart failure unit. They taught me how medical devices are made, like what the FDA is and what they are looking for when approving products. It was totally different from a day in my life as a college student. They took me seriously as an engineer and gave me a lot of tasks. I was basically solving problems day-to-day, which I really liked, so it gave me the sense that what I’m doing is right for my interests.” 

Learn more about Jenny 

Build a professional network 

Takori Rooks ’23 

Major: Computer science 

CO-OP: Boeing 

“To work at Boeing allows me to learn and work with engineers who are passionate about the same things as I am. My advice to students just starting a CO-OP is to network, network, network. Make as many meaningful relationships as you can. If you don’t know something, ask. In my experience, people are inclined to help because they know that you are an intern.” 

Learn more about Takori