Biomedical Engineer

March 1, 2023
Application ends: March 28, 2025

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Job Description

Full Job Description

Duties

The Staff Biomedical Engineer serves as a staff advisor to the Chief, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) in the area of Biomedical Engineering as well as on other engineering principles and practices. These areas of expertise relate to the area of specialization and scientific discipline, drawing from professional education background as well as practical experience.

  • Assists in the management of the medical instrument maintenance program, anesthesia record keeper and clinical information system management and medical device integration projects. Ensures that medical equipment in the Medical Center is safe for patients and staff, reliable in its results, and experiences minimal downtime. Manages all medical equipment recalls and hazard alerts, and investigates any incidents involving medical equipment. Documents findings and actions taken and reports to Environment of Care Committee.
  • Assists in the personnel functions for the HTM service line, including the recruitment, hiring, and training of new section staff as well as the development of position descriptions, duty assignments and personnel management.
  • Assists in ensuring that requirements of The Joint Commission, IG, SOARS, Food and Drug Administration, and other groups are met for the medical equipment program.
  • Provides leadership to ensure that high-performance customer support is provided to medical staff, nurses and technologists.
  • Shares responsibility of representing the Medical Center in meetings with manufacturers, vendors and their engineers in matters involving medical instrumentation.
  • Advises the Chief HTM and the Medical Center Equipment Committee on equipment evaluations. Provides accurate, balanced advice to management regarding decisions to be made for new acquisitions.
  • Assists with advising several committees in the medical center besides Equipment Committee, such as Bar Code Administration Committee, High Tech Informatics Committee, Critical Care Committee, Reusable Medical Equipment Committee, and Environment of Care Committee and sits on Committees when Chief HTM cannot attend meetings. Researches and reports on biomedical issues of interest to those committees to the Chief HTM.
  • Carries out Purchase Card duties allowing for procurement of parts and services using dedicated Fund Control Points.
  • Assists in providing project management for the purchase, planning, construction design review, installation, and in-service training stages of biomedical instrumentation projects such as, but not limited to, radiation oncology, laboratories, radiology and nuclear medicine suites and computer systems and software. Advises and works with clinical staff and the Projects Section, Engineering Service on design and planning of construction of clinical spaces, sometimes entailing visits to other facilities to research current design trends for medical space.
  • Shares responsibility in ensuring that HIPAA and network security issues are managed effectively for medical systems.
  • Shares responsibility in updating documentation of network connections of medical systems, including information on VLAN, IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and network switch and port numbers.
  • Trains clinical staff on specific subjects as needed including proper acquisition procedures and use of medical equipment. Provides technical support to the staff in order to resolve systems problems. Provides support to the medical staff to help resolve equipment related problems

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

 

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.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • 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).

 

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

  • United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Education or Experience:
    • 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.
      OR,
    • Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree not listed above. Certification means having successfully passed a CCE written and oral examination administered by the American College of Clinical Engineering. If appointed with a CCE requirement, the employee must maintain certification throughout employment. The American College of Clinical Engineering determines acceptable educational preparation and degree requirements for CCE eligibility.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:
To qualify for the GS 07 level, you must meet the basic requirements.

To qualify for the GS-09 level, Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. GS-09 Candidates must possess all of the following:

  • 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.

To qualify for the GS-11 level, Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. GS-11 Candidates must possess all of the following:

  • Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission, National Fire Protection Association, 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.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. GS-12 Candidates must possess all of the following:

  • 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, the Safe Medical Devices Act, and The Joint Commission 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
  • 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/130, Part II, Appendix G38 – Biomedical Engineer Qualification Standard

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: Work involves standing, walking, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and frequently working in cramped spaces for prolonged periods. The employee continually lifts from 10 to 40 pounds and occasionally objects weighing in excess of 40 pounds. The work also involves coping with complex, persistent demands from a variety of sources that can be regarded as a high pressure.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

  • Benefits

    A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

     

    Review our benefits

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

  • Benefits

    A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

     

    Review our benefits

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    • Resume

    VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
    (Will be required from selected applicant)

    The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

    • DD-214/ Statement of Service
    • Disability Letter (VA)
    • Resume

    Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets – Veterans – Job Seekers – Veterans’ Preference. 

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

  • How to Apply

    All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/31/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11807085.

    • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
    • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

    NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

    To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.