Summary This Biomedical Engineer position works within the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. The HTM program includes, but is not limited to: consultation with clinical and technical staff regarding medical equipment needs and requirements, medical technology assessment, strategic planning, acquisition support, program and project management, networked medical device protection, ongoing maintenance support and quality assurance. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Uses basic engineering principles to provide limited professional, healthcare technology management services for the medical center. Projects or assignments typically include facility-based work, and may include assisting with VISN or National HTM projects. Continually learns new technology, identifies trends, and utilizes the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. Assists in lifecycle management of medical equipment and clinical systems. Participates in technology assessment of medical equipment systems by working collaboratively with clinical staff to evaluate market offerings, determine medical center requirements, design system configurations, and develop technical specifications. Works collaboratively with Contracting staff to procure medical equipment and maintenance that best meets clinical needs, to include evaluating technical proposals and contributing to price negotiations. Assists and/or coordinates implementation of medical technology including assessing installation and site preparation requirements, managing project timelines, monitoring installation, and facilitating training for equipment operators and maintainers. Participates on medical center construction projects, space functional changes, and associated planning with respect to HTM-supported technologies, including site preparation for medical equipment, non- recurring maintenance projects, and minor construction projects. Assists with remediation and documentation of hazard alerts and recall notifications concerning medical equipment impacting the facility. Supports a medical equipment management program that allows the DC VAMC to meet the requirements set by accrediting organizations such as The Joint Commission (T JC). Assists in troubleshooting medical equipment and clinical systems using a variety of technical data and corrective action practices. Utilizes basic networking concepts, such as computer and server hardware and software used in conjunction with medical devices and clinical systems. Demonstrates the ability to analyze organizational and operational problems involving medical equipment, and recommend timely and economical solutions accordingly. Assists with analyzing and recommending optimal maintenance strategies for medical equipment and systems, to include cost-benefit evaluation of out-sourcing versus in-house support. Assists with preparing quality assurance monitoring reports and standard operational procedures. Assists in the development/review of medical center policy memoranda. Documents all work in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Provides customer support to staff, evaluates issues and needs, responds with solutions, and keeps customers abreast of status. Complies with all applicable standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8am-4:30pm EST Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:688-25119-F, 688-25120-F, 688-25121-F, 688-25122-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with [VA Handbook 5005, Part II,] chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g.) English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above. Grade Determinations: Biomedical Engineer, GS-7 (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in paragraph 3.b.(1). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employees serve in an entry level biomedical engineer career development position. It is expected that biomedical engineers at the entry level receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and perform assignments under close supervision. Biomedical Engineer, GS-9 (Developmental Level 1) Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. (Example of GS-07 Experience: Employees serve in an entry level biomedical engineer career development position.) OR Education Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1).OR Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, that demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience for the GS-09, the following KSAs are required: Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology. Assignment. Biomedical Engineers, at this developmental level, require direction on more complex tasks. Employees complete technical assignments in the engineering field, under the direction of a senior biomedical engineer and will be required to rotate through, and participate in, the operations of other hospital services. At the GS-9 grade level, employees function with oversight by a supervisor for more complex assignments. Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 (Developmental Level 2) Experience. At least [one] year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, [and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.] (Example of GS-09 Experience: At the GS-9 grade level, employees function with oversight by a supervisor for more complex assignments.) OR Education Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1).OR Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience for the GS-11, the following KSAs are required: Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements. Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare. Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology, or research procedures], while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. Assignment. At the developmental level, employees function on a semi- independent basis with limited oversight by senior biomedical engineers. They participate in medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA), TJC requirements, and assist in the development of an equipment management program at the medical center. Employees may lead medical technology deployments, directly support medical equipment, or participate in research projects. Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of at least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level (Example of GS-11 Experience: employees function on a semi- independent basis with limited oversight by senior biomedical engineers. They participate in medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA), TJC requirements, and assist in the development of an equipment management program at the medical center. Employees may lead medical technology deployments, directly support medical equipment, or participate in research projects.); OR completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Education Qualifications Continued: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience for the GS-12, the following KSAs are required: Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and [TJC] requirements. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management. Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies. Assignment. At the full performance level, employees work under general supervision, with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. Drawing upon extended professional and technical experience, employees demonstrate an intimate understanding of complex clinical and biomedical subject matter. They serve as institutional resources, working extensively with clinical stakeholders, supporting clinical services by leading market research, technology assessments, integration planning, and implementation of both current and emerging medical technologies. The employee shares responsibility for managing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), network security issues for medical systems, and the information communicated across these systems. Biomedical Engineers at the GS-12 grade level further support the clinical mission by contributing to the continuing education program for clinical staff, helping ensure safe and efficient healthcare delivery. Biomedical Engineers at the GS-12 grade level support the institution by assisting with capital asset and infrastructure planning, to help ensure successful strategic planning. They may collaborate frequently with contracting to execute judicious healthcare technology procurements. Within the Biomedical Engineering Department, the employee provides leadership that ensures high quality and responsive customer service is an integral component of biomedical engineering service delivery. They are highly effective communicators, capable of serving as subject matter experts directly supporting the life cycle management of clinical technology, to include ongoing service, system administration, training, and quality assurance. At this level, employees may assist in clinical research projects in the biomedical engineering field. Preferred Experience: - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment. - Project Management involving cross-functional coordination. - Strong organizational skills. - Strong communication skills. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Both legs required; Kneeling (up to 3 hours); Depth perception; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional/Mental Stability. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
