Ask HN: Advice for switching to a robotics or a medical device fields

I have for over 10 years worked in a large research lab in Boston on a variety of algorithms, software and systems related to sensors, cameras, data fusion and decision support. I am now considering a domain switch and am looking for advice. Not so much for specific openings (although this is good, too), but primarily an approach for a senior/lead engineer in one field to switch to a lower level rung in a different field.

Biotech, robotics, medical devices are potential examples, but most things that touch more than one of (software, algorithms and hardware) are interesting to me.

The main reason for wanting to switch is that I want to learn new things. A close second is the growing bureaucracy at my current, large employer. I am not desperate -- my employer likes me and the pay is good. But the work is becoming frustratingly slow and the amount of red tape goes up every year.

The good: I have (says me) a good, transferable set of general skills: software (C++, Python, Java, scripting, Matlab), algorithms (data fusion, some ML and AI, image and video processing, real time systems, large data sets), data science, analysis and a solid math background.

The bad: I am in my late 40s and have a PhD with 20 years of experience in my work. A quick search led to a couple of suggestions for a principal/lead scientist or engineer positions for which I am nowhere near qualified (since this is another field).

More good: I do not need a lot of money; not looking for FAANG salaries.

Any advice? Take classes? Rub shoulders at conferences?