Biomedical Engineer

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: 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. 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: (1) 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, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor’s degree not listed above 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment [listed in paragraph 3 above], the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-7 (Entry Level): Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education. Bachelor’s degree as outlined in paragraph above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor’s degree not listed above. GS-9 (Developmental Level 1): Candidates qualifying at the GS-9 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience. At least one year of specialization experience equivalent to the next lower level, OR, Education- Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, OR Bachelor’s degree, plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant’s total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. GS-11 (Developmental Level 2): Candidates qualifying at the GS-11 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience. At least one year of specialization experience equivalent to the next lower level, OR, Education- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in previously. OR Bachelor’s degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. GS-12 Full Performance Level: Candidates qualifying at the GS-11 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience: Completion of at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 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-7 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work may require light lifting (under 15lbs) and working closely with others. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The Biomedical Engineer is responsible for the hospital-wide Clinical Engineering Program serving all Services throughout the Medical Center, their state of the art, modern community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and Healthcare Centers (HCCs), Home Based Health Care and Research. The incumbent directly consults with the Medical and Administrative staff on principles and practices which relate to Clinical Engineering.