Biomedical Engineer

Serves as a Biomedical Engineer (BME) within a Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department at a VA facility. Works in support of the medical equipment management program. In addition to duties at the full performance level, the BME assists in the maintenance of medical servers and networks, diagnostic software, virtual platforms, and clinical applications software.

Duties include but are not limited to: Assist in the development and implementation of an equipment management program that meets current Joint Commission, FDA, CAP, CARF, NFPA, and VA requirements. Develops and maintains a curriculum for a continuing education program that addresses the safe and effective use of medical equipment and/or technology, especially networked medical equipment/technology. Advises clinical and administrative staff on medical engineering technology, including existing and emerging technology, addressing viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety, while keeping abreast of changes in technology.

Assists with capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment, especially networked medical equipment, spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex systems. Assures the provision of a continuing education program for clinical staff addressing the principles and application of medical instrumentation used in the delivery of healthcare. Functions as a subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering who directly supports specialized clinical technology including service, system administration, training, and quality assurance at a medical center.

Functions as a subject matter expert for medical device networking and interoperability who directly supports specialized networked clinical technology including service, system administration, training, and quality assurance at a medical center. Manages and maintains medical servers and 2 networks, diagnostic software, virtual platforms, and clinical applications software. Assist in establishing controls and procedures and monitors implementation to assure that all electronic devices and systems and computers related to patient care equipment are utilized efficiently and safely.

Observes and critiques the use of these devices, maintaining repair services and training personnel where necessary. Evaluates the patient safety features of electrical equipment and oversees the patient electrical safety program for the medical center. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: 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 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 above, the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-07 Entry Level Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Education: Bachelor's degree as outlined in the basic requirements Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs): None beyond the basic requirements GS-09 Developmental Level 1 Experience: At least one year of specialized 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 in a related field of study, 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 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 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at GS-11. OR, Education: Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering.

OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study. Knowledge Skills and Abilities (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 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. Knowledge Skills and Abilities (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 Preferred Experience: Biomedical Engineer Experience 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 GS 7-12. Physical Requirements: The work may require light lifting (under 15lbs) and working closely with others. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.