Feedback on background and fit for consulting

Hey,

I'm an engineer who's been looking into consulting for a few weeks now. I feel pretty good about the research I've done on the nature of the work and how that fits with what I want to do. What isn't so clear though, is how I'd be viewed as a prospective candidate.

I seem to fit the criteria from many of the firms' websites, but I'm looking for a few more points of reference. I'd appreciate it if you could comment on some of these questions.

a) How common are experienced hires? b) Is their career progression any slower even if they do get the job? c) How good a fit is my background for consulting? d) What kinds of firms am I likely to get interest from? Any suggestions for firms with strong Pharmaceutical and/or Medical Device focus? e) What level would I normally be considered for?

My background:

MS in Engineering, top 3 research university (a target school). GPA 3.5 BS in Engineering, small but very selective technical school. GPA 3.2 (Not as bad as it looks. School has had no grade inflation, but this may not be well known) Excellent test scores. Perfect score on Math sections of GMAT, GRE, SAT2, and 760 on SAT1.

1 yr in marketing (doing mostly statistical analysis) at a financial institution between my BS and MS

3 years in new product R&D at a medical device startup. I am currently acting as the technical lead on a project, have had success delivering on projects in the past, and have been promoted twice.