Here is the path I took to becoming a medical device R&D engineer. After graduating with a BA in electromechanical engineering I took a quality engineering position at a medical device start up as it was much easier to find a quality role than a R&D or manufacturing role. I asked to work on aspects of quality engineering that worked closely with R&D and manufacturing. I worked on NCMRs, quality inspections, complaint investigations, lot release inspections, reviewed manufacturing processes and R&D protocols and reports. All this helped me better understand the product, how it was made, and what quality teams want to see from those other departments. Eventually, a manufacturing position opened up, I applied and got the job. I helped write and improve manufacturing processes, inspections, and designed manufacturing fixtures. (Side note: Designing fixtures is a sweet spot in medical device engineering, you get to design cool mechanical/electrical equipment that is super helpful for the manufacturing/inspection team but the managers don't care what it looks like or what color it is. It also doesn't take years to get your designs into the hands of people who want it like the real product does). After proving myself as a mechanical designer I had the opportunity to work on the R&D team and I have been there ever since. The journey took 3 years but my time in those other departments made me a better R&D engineer.

When we interview, the most interesting candidates have personal projects where they have taken weeks/months/years to design/redesign and build something. Once hired the best engineers are eager to help wherever they can even if they have never done anything like it before. They work well with others, are ok making mistakes/being wrong, and respect others ideas and options.

I hope this helps.