Not your typical engineering path: Laura Corbella speaks to building trust, one hospital at a time

A challenging start in biomedical engineering

My name is Laura and I am a biomedical engineer in Spain. My early career path wasn’t straightforward. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, I faced a common challenge for job seekers in Madrid—limited industry opportunities in a market dominated by distributors rather than manufacturers. This lack of opportunities led me to pursue my Master’s degree in Ireland, with a focus on product design and biomedical engineering research and development (R&D).

Navigating change during the COVID pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic threw my carefully laid plans into disarray. When everything started shutting down, I decided to return to Spain due to concerns about family members with delicate health conditions and travel restrictions. This unexpected move forced me to completely reimagine my career path.

Finding my place at Radiometer

I decided to pursue a career as a Field Service Engineer (FSE) to help customers fix issues with their medical instruments. I initially applied for a role with Danaher at a different Operating Company, but that didn’t work out. However, the recruiter recommended that I apply for an FSE position with Radiometer. During the interview with my future manager, we instantly connected on our vision and approach—a connection that would prove invaluable as I started my job at Radiometer.

Breaking ground as an early professional Field Service Engineer

Being the only female FSE in Spain and Portugal came with a unique set of challenges. Starting this role at a much younger age than the other FSEs, I often faced skepticism due to my lack of experience. Customers would watch me work and sometimes ask, “Are you sure you can put this back together?” These moments taught me to handle doubt with confidence and professionalism.

Growing into leadership

Four years later, I have progressed in my career from FSE to Area Manager, overseeing central and northern Spain, as well as the Catalonia region, while also leading a new call center project. What drives me? Two things: the satisfaction of fixing broken equipment and knowing that my work impacts patient care through medical diagnostics.

Working at Radiometer

What sets Radiometer apart is its culture. Seeing colleagues stay here for 30-40 years speaks volumes about the company. Our Spanish team operates like a family, making even the toughest days manageable. When you work with people you genuinely care about, it transforms the entire experience.

Advice for future FSEs

The FSE role isn’t for everyone. It requires a flexible schedule, as you don’t have a 9-to-5 job, the ability to adapt to the varied challenges of fieldwork and strong stress management skills. Success here is about having the right personality and attitude, embracing challenges and finding practical solutions.

Looking forward

There are excellent opportunities to develop your career at Radiometer. My own journey from FSE to Area Manager demonstrates the potential for advancement available here. And I have seen colleagues grow both within the company and throughout the Danaher enterprise. As long as you possess dedication, adaptability, and eagerness to learn and grow professionally, opportunities will be available.

Looking back, the unexpected changes during the COVID-19 pandemic led me exactly where I needed to be. Sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as challenges, and I’m grateful for every step of my journey at Radiometer. For those considering this path, remember that the right attitude and determination can open doors you never expected.