4 March 2026

World Engineering Day: Engineering careers with impact

Engineers at Smith+Nephew are united by a simple motivation: turn ideas into innovations that make a meaningful difference for patients. On World Engineering Day, we’re spotlighting the breadth of engineering careers across our business - from manufacturing and packaging to computational analysis, product support, systems engineering and verification - through the words of our colleagues.

Engineering across the product lifecycle

From concept to surgical use, our engineers shape every stage of a product’s journey.

Designing for Manufacturability

“My team partners with New Product Development to ensure new products are designed for reliable, high‑quality manufacturing and are seamlessly transferred into production… to deliver high‑quality, innovative products to patients when they are needed without delay.” - Kate Dawson, Director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.

Packaging that protects patients

As Monica Chanda, Senior R&D Engineer - Packaging, puts it, packaging is about safety, not just containers: “Designing and validating packaging systems isn’t just about boxes or pouches - it’s about creating a sterile barrier system that protects a life‑saving device until the exact moment it’s needed.”

Computational design that restores mobility

In Knee Product Development,R&D Engineer, Paola Jimenez Womack, explains: “In my role, I create knee designs that help patients regain mobility and live without pain. I use computational analysis and simulation to make sure these designs are safe and truly improve patients’ quality of life.”

Product support that keeps care moving

“I support post‑launch product design and development for Knee Reconstruction… I also help ensure our current portfolio is available to our patients by supporting new market registrations and maintaining current ones.” - Kaitlynn Jones, R&D Manager, Knee Product Support.

Systems Engineering that connects the dots

“Systems Engineering exists for complex devices with many different parts and components that all have to work together.” says Casey McBride, Senior Systems Engineer - Robotics, who sees her engineering discipline as ‘professional problem solving’. “I help turn complex clinical problems into cohesive, safe, and high‑performing robotic solutions.”

Verification that makes quality obvious

“Our job is to make sure the technology is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. We’re the ones ensuring that patients get the outcomes they expect and that surgeons have a seamless experience that allows them to be successful in the OR.” says Jeffrey Wang, Director Systems Verification - Robotics & Enabling Technologies.

The moments that make engineering meaningful

The common thread is seeing ideas deliver real‑world value.

“There’s always something new going on… I’m proud to have been a part of many technically complex, high‑impact product launches – most recently, the release of our new CORI XT Robotic platform.” Says Kate Dawson.

For Casey, it’s end‑to‑end impact: “I love being able to take a concept or an idea and see it come to life… My favorite part of my job is being in a cadaver lab with a surgeon and seeing them get excited about the product that we’re building.”

She highlights a proud milestone. As part of the team behind new product, CORI SHOULDER, “I had the honor of being present for the first time CORI Shoulder was used in patients. It felt surreal to see almost 2 years of work be used in the real world and was a great reminder why we do what we do.”

Liam Fugit, R&D Engineer - Product Development, who works on simulations of knee movement to optimise knee implants, loves the simulation-to-real-life results, citing the most exciting part of his role as “seeing the culmination of all that work result in satisfaction from surgeons and patients.”

Paola agrees: “Being able to contribute to products that help patients move again is incredibly meaningful.”

Passing the torch: Reflections for future engineers

“Take initiative. Engineering will always present new challenges, so approach every obstacle with an open mind and a drive to learn. ” - Kate Dawson.

“Technical skills will get you in the room. Communication skills will move you into leadership.” - Monica Chanda.

“Speak up, believe in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Being smart is only part of the equation - curiosity, resilience, and effort are just as important.” - Paola Jimenez Womack.

“Your ideas and projects will be challenged, so believe deeply in what you’re doing.” - Kaitlynn Jones.

“Innovation pushes engineering forward, do not be scared to speak up.” - Liam Fugit.

“Your curiosity is a strength. Keep an open mind and don’t jump to solutions too quickly. Engineering is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and building a better world while we’re at it.” - Casey McBride.

“Engineering is a huge world - be curious and don't be afraid to poke around. A lot of the most interesting engineering isn’t taught in a classroom.” - Jeffrey Wang.

Life Unlimited, Engineered

Behind every innovation at Smith+Nephew is an engineer with a story - of curiosity sparked early, of mentors who opened doors, of ideas that grew into solutions used by patients around the world. Their journeys are different, but their impact is shared.

They turn insights into safer devices, challenges into breakthroughs, and ambition into technologies that restore mobility and confidence. When we say Life Unlimited, we’re talking about the possibilities our engineers create - for patients, for clinicians, and for the future of healthcare.

Find out more about careers at Smith+Nephew on our careers page.

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