Medical Illustrator Jobs
Medical Illustrator jobs are open across medical publishing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and academic institutions, at every level from entry-level to senior and art director, with specializations in surgical illustration, 3D anatomical modeling, and patient education materials. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Medical Illustrator jobs
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS, AND COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the listed items satisfactorily
Technical Writer and Illustrator
Essential Job Functions
- Studies drawings, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Reviews published materials and recommends revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
- Interviews production and engineering personnel and reads journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Reviews manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Determines need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Confers with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, departmental representatives, and service bureaus to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication – both routine and ad hoc.
- Organizes material and completes writing assignment according to set standards (i.e. - FAA, GAMA, ATA, and Piper) regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Edits, standardizes, or makes changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Selects photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material and/or assembly sequence.
- Renders detailed drawings, illustrations, and artwork working from sketches, blueprints, memory, reference materials, or digital imagery.
- Coordinates draft review by engineering, flight test, or experimental, as required, to ensure technical accuracy and appropriate operational procedure.
- Lays out and forwards material for print, microfiche, CD, and web publication.
- Supports other departments in the preparation of internal documents and other matters where desktop publishing expertise is required.
- Maintains records and files of work and revisions. Assigns part code numbers for service parts and kits, as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Position Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience
- Requires an associates degree (AS or AA), four years of desktop publishing experience in a technical writing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Physical Demands
- Demonstrates physical and functional ability to perform and accomplish tasks. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
Mental Demands
- Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Working Conditions
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to both office and plant environments. May be exposed to odors, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, sharp objects, hazardous or moving equipment, wet slippery floors, and extremes in temperature and humidity.
- Interacts regularly with various staff and employees, and occasionally with vendors, suppliers, community members and regulatory agency representatives.
- Travel and overtime are required when necessary.
Operational Excellence
- Supports all operational excellence initiatives ensuring full participation in all department services, continuous improvement efforts, and training programs.
Quality Assurance
- Maintains a safe, orderly working environment including FOD compliance.
- Ensures adherence to Piper Aircraft, Inc. corporate compliance policies.
- Adheres to organization and department policies and procedures.
Compliance
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations appropriate to job function.
- Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
- Work ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
- Maintains compliance with OSHA regulations pertaining to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), behaviors, and physical space.
Communicates Effectively
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills who understands how to develop and maintain external supplier and internal customer relations in both written and oral form.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times during direct contact with employees, suppliers, and customers.
Decision Quality
- Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving on-time with deliverables.
Optimizes Work Processes
- Knows and contributes the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Attention to Detail
- Takes responsibility for a thorough, accurate, and detailed method of completing work tasks.
Drives Results
- Overcomes adversity, consistently achieving quality results - even under demanding deadlines and unexpected operating circumstances.
Teamwork
- Interacts, partners, and collaborates effectively with others, positively contributing to overall department and organizational deliverables and results.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Please note - This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week including mandatory overtime may be required to support periods of high production demand
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS, AND COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the listed items satisfactorily
Technical Writer and Illustrator
Essential Job Functions
- Studies drawings, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Reviews published materials and recommends revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
- Interviews production and engineering personnel and reads journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Reviews manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Determines need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Confers with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, departmental representatives, and service bureaus to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication – both routine and ad hoc.
- Organizes material and completes writing assignment according to set standards (i.e. - FAA, GAMA, ATA, and Piper) regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Edits, standardizes, or makes changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Selects photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material and/or assembly sequence.
- Renders detailed drawings, illustrations, and artwork working from sketches, blueprints, memory, reference materials, or digital imagery.
- Coordinates draft review by engineering, flight test, or experimental, as required, to ensure technical accuracy and appropriate operational procedure.
- Lays out and forwards material for print, microfiche, CD, and web publication.
- Supports other departments in the preparation of internal documents and other matters where desktop publishing expertise is required.
- Maintains records and files of work and revisions. Assigns part code numbers for service parts and kits, as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Position Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience
- Requires an associates degree (AS or AA), four years of desktop publishing experience in a technical writing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Physical Demands
- Demonstrates physical and functional ability to perform and accomplish tasks. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
Mental Demands
- Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Working Conditions
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to both office and plant environments. May be exposed to odors, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, sharp objects, hazardous or moving equipment, wet slippery floors, and extremes in temperature and humidity.
- Interacts regularly with various staff and employees, and occasionally with vendors, suppliers, community members and regulatory agency representatives.
- Travel and overtime are required when necessary.
Operational Excellence
- Supports all operational excellence initiatives ensuring full participation in all department services, continuous improvement efforts, and training programs.
Quality Assurance
- Maintains a safe, orderly working environment including FOD compliance.
- Ensures adherence to Piper Aircraft, Inc. corporate compliance policies.
- Adheres to organization and department policies and procedures.
Compliance
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations appropriate to job function.
- Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
- Work ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
- Maintains compliance with OSHA regulations pertaining to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), behaviors, and physical space.
Communicates Effectively
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills who understands how to develop and maintain external supplier and internal customer relations in both written and oral form.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times during direct contact with employees, suppliers, and customers.
Decision Quality
- Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving on-time with deliverables.
Optimizes Work Processes
- Knows and contributes the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Attention to Detail
- Takes responsibility for a thorough, accurate, and detailed method of completing work tasks.
Drives Results
- Overcomes adversity, consistently achieving quality results - even under demanding deadlines and unexpected operating circumstances.
Teamwork
- Interacts, partners, and collaborates effectively with others, positively contributing to overall department and organizational deliverables and results.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Please note - This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week including mandatory overtime may be required to support periods of high production demand
See All 6 Medical Illustrator Jobs
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Find Medical Illustrator JobsMedical Illustrator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical illustrator jobs.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Medical Illustration or Biomedical Visualization
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop
- Experience with 3D modeling software such as ZBrush, Cinema 4D, or Maya
- Strong foundational knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology
- Portfolio demonstrating a range of medical or scientific illustration styles
- Certification by the Association of Medical Illustrators preferred for senior roles
Tips for Your Medical Illustrator Job Search
Tailor your portfolio to the employer
Hiring managers in pharmaceutical advertising expect polished, brand-compliant visuals, while academic medical centers prioritize anatomical accuracy over design polish. Reorganize your portfolio samples to front-load the work that matches each employer's output before you apply.
List your software stack precisely
Recruiters scan for specific tools: ZBrush, Cinema 4D, Maxon, Adobe Creative Suite, and Maya each signal different specializations. Spell out every application you use professionally on your resume so your profile clears automated screening for the right openings.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists medical illustrator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight your clinical reference fluency
Employers expect you to read and interpret primary medical literature, surgical atlases, and pathology reports independently. Call out specific references or anatomy texts you work from regularly so hiring managers know you don't need a clinician to translate source material for you.
Prepare a process walkthrough for interviews
Interviewers frequently ask you to walk through one piece from brief to final deliverable, including how you resolved anatomical ambiguities or client revision cycles. Practice a two-minute verbal walkthrough of a complex project before your first interview.
Negotiate scope before you negotiate salary
Medical illustrator offers vary significantly based on whether you own the copyright to your work, handle animation in addition to static illustration, or absorb licensing responsibilities. Clarify deliverable scope and usage rights in writing before accepting any offer.
Medical Illustrator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most medical illustrators?
MRCOOL, Hasbro, and Piper Aircraft are hiring the most medical illustrators right now, with openings concentrated in Delaware, Kentucky, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pharmaceutical companies, medical device firms, and academic health systems tend to post the most consistent volume throughout the year.
How many medical illustrator jobs are remote?
About 33% of medical illustrator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work is deliverable-based rather than facility-dependent. Roles focused on static editorial illustration and patient education content are the most likely to be fully remote, while surgical animation and device visualization positions often require on-site collaboration with clinical teams.
How do you become a medical illustrator?
Most medical illustrators earn a graduate degree in medical illustration or biomedical visualization from an accredited program, which combines advanced anatomy coursework with studio training in both traditional and digital media. After graduating, candidates build a focused portfolio, pursue board certification through the Association of Medical Illustrators, and typically enter the field through freelance contracts, publishing house roles, or in-house positions at medical device or pharmaceutical companies.
How do you get hired as a medical illustrator with little experience?
Candidates with limited professional experience should prioritize building a portfolio that demonstrates anatomical accuracy and clean technical execution over stylistic range. Volunteer projects for nonprofit health organizations, illustrated case studies for medical school faculty, and published student work in peer-reviewed anatomy journals all carry weight with hiring managers who want evidence you can interpret clinical source material independently, even without paid credits.
What does the medical illustrator interview process look like?
Most employers begin with a portfolio review call where you walk through two or three pieces in depth, explaining your reference sources, revision process, and how you handled anatomical or scientific accuracy questions. A second round often involves a timed skills assessment or take-home assignment using the company's preferred software. Final interviews typically include a conversation with a clinical or scientific stakeholder who evaluates your ability to interpret medical content without close supervision.
Where can I find and apply to medical illustrator jobs?
You can find and apply to medical illustrator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 6 Medical Illustrator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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