bioengineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — bioengineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2031.00 (Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers).

Task statements

• [Core] Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
• [Core] Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
• [Core] Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
• [Core] Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
• [Core] Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
• [Core] Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
• [Core] Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
• [Core] Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
• [Core] Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
• [Core] Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
• [Core] Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
• [Core] Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
• [Core] Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
• [Core] Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
• [Core] Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
• [Core] Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
• [Core] Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
• [Core] Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• [Core] Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
• [Core] Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
• [Core] Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
• [Core] Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
• [Core] Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• [Supplemental] Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
• [Supplemental] Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.
• [Supplemental] Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
• [Supplemental] Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
• [Supplemental] Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
• [Supplemental] Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
• [Supplemental] Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.

Detailed work activities

• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Design medical devices or appliances.
• Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Estimate time requirements for development or production projects.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Prepare technical reports for internal use.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Update technical knowledge.