Biomedical engineering is one of Ireland’s fastest growing fields, with Cork and Galway emerging as key hubs thanks to the country’s thriving MedTech sector.
At Next Generation, we connect skilled candidates with leading employers for specialist engineering roles. With over 20 years’ recruitment experience, here's what employers and applicants need to know about navigating this competitive space.
Industry In Ireland
80% of cardiology stents across the world are manufactured in Ireland (The Irish Times). The island nation supplies medical technology to 95 of the top 100 countries (by GDP), with exports accounting for €12.6 billion in exports annually (Meet In Ireland).
Cork, Dublin and Galway attract global MedTech and pharma multinationals like Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker and Abbott, as well as high-potential startups such as Akara Robotics, CergenX and Empeal.
Backed by government investment, top research institutions and a skilled workforce, biomedical engineering in Ireland offers employers a competitive talent market and candidates access to world-class projects.
Biomedical Engineering Jobs in Ireland
Typical MedTech and biomedical careers in demand in Ireland include:
R&D Engineer - Developing new devices and technologies.
Quality Assurance and Validation Specialist - Ensuring compliance with standards.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist - Managing product approvals and documentation.
Manufacturing and Process Engineer - Optimising production and scale-up.
Clinical/Field Engineer - Supporting medical technologies in hospitals and clinics.
With continued investment in the life sciences sector, demand for these niche engineering jobs in Ireland is expected to grow over the next decade.
Key Skills in Demand
Employers in Ireland seek engineering professionals who have:
A relevant degree in biomedical, electrical, mechanical engineering or related fields
Experience with CAD design software and medical device prototyping
Knowledge of regulatory standards like EU MDR (Medical Device Regulation)
Skills in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for data analysis
Understanding of clinical testing, validation and risk management
Additional skills in areas like AI, machine learning, 3D printing and wearable medical devices are highly valued.
Salaries in Ireland
Salaries vary depending on experience, specialisation and employer size.
In Ireland, biomedical salaries typically start at €38,000 for graduates, range between €45,000 - €65,000 for mid-level engineers with three to five years of experience and €70,000 - €90,000+ for senior roles. Specialists in regulatory affairs or quality often earn €60,000 - €100,000+.
Tips for Candidates
Stay Current: Follow trending technologies like AI integration and regulatory updates, especially the EU MDR standards.
Build a Network: Engage with professional groups such as the Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) and attend engineering events in Ireland.
Examples for Interviews: Demonstrate an understanding of product development lifecycle, regulatory compliance and problem-solving capabilities. Having specific examples for each with final results will help you stand out.
Consider Contract Roles: Many companies offer contract opportunities that provide valuable experience and lead to permanent positions.
Tips for Employers
Offer Professional Development: Engineering professionals value ongoing training and certification opportunities.
Define Clear Role Requirements: Specify necessary technical expertise and familiarity with regulatory frameworks to attract the right candidates.
Utilise Specialised Recruiters: Partnering with expert recruitment firms like Next Generation can accelerate hiring and improve candidate quality.
Competitive Compensation: Benchmark salaries to reflect market standards and retain skilled engineers in a competitive environment.
At Next Generation, we specialise in MedTech and biomedical engineering recruitment across Ireland, helping candidates find rewarding careers and employers build exceptional teams.
Contact us to discover how we can support your engineering hiring or job search in Ireland.
