193 - Bioengineering Grads: Here’s What Recruiters Actually Want to See in 2025

In this episode of Let’s Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh is joined by Kirk Petyo, Managing Partner at Talent Factory Medical and founder of Talent Factory Recruiting.

If you're a bioengineering student, recent grad, or early-career professional trying to break into medical devices, biotech, or pharma—this one's for you.With extensive experience recruiting for regulated industries like aerospace, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, Kirk offers grounded, actionable insights for early-career professionals and hiring managers alike.

This episode covers how to craft a strong resume, the importance of knowing your career “why,” how to stand out to recruiters, and why onshoring and shifting regulatory trends matter for the next generation of talent in life sciences.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction

00:35 – Kirk's Career Journey and Advice

02:18 – Navigating Early Career Challenges

03:12 – Building a Strong Resume and Networking

04:38 – The Importance of Specificity in Job Applications 08:56 – Recruitment Insights and Industry Trends

12:05 – Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

18:49 – Advice for Upcoming Graduates

23:18 – The Importance of Passion in Job Interviews

24:00 – Evaluating Candidates Beyond Experience

24:58 – Personal Stories and Career Choices

30:55 – Bioengineering vs. Mechanical Engineering

41:34 – Industry Trends and Onshoring

44:18 – Entry-Level Opportunities and Recruitment

About Kirk Petyo

Kirk Petyo is the Managing Partner at Talent Factory Medical and founder of Talent Factory Recruiting. He has spent his career recruiting top talent in highly regulated industries like aerospace, medical devices, biotech, and pharma. Known for his ability to bridge business needs with real human connections, Kirk helps companies grow stronger teams—and helps candidates navigate complex career decisions with clarity and purpose.

About the Host

Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let’s ComBinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and R&D, he has worked in large Medical Device and Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of hardware devices, disposable devices, and combination products for vaccines, generics, and biologics.

Subhi currently serves as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition (CPC), is a member of ASTM Committee E55, and has served on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.