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:

• Education and 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. 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:

Biomedical Engineer, GS-07 (Entry Level)
Experience: None beyond the basis requirements.
Education: Bachelor's degree as outlined in basic requirements above, or CCE certification with at least a
bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): None beyond the basic Requirements.

Biomedical Engineer, GS-09 (Developmental Level 1):
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level GS-7.
OR,
Education: Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in basic requirements
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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate, in their resume, all of the following KSAs.

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, concept, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession.
• Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standard, 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.

Biomedical Engineer GS-11 (Developmental Level 2):
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at that level GS-9.
OR,
Education: Ph. D, or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in basic requirements.
OR,
Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study.
Demonstrated 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 (JTC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to develop material for 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.

Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level):
Experience. Completion of at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level GS-11
OR,
Education: Completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
Demonstrated 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: Information Systems Experience, Networking Medical Devices, Cerner or Epic EHR

References:
VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G38

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.
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.


Physical Requirements:
A significant portion of tasks performed will involve utilizing a computer workstation for extended periods of time configuring software and managing networked medical system. This will involve prolonged periods of sitting or standing while viewing digital displays. The position will also involve lifting and carrying items weighing up to 40lbs on an occasional basis. The work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping. Climbing and working on ladders may be required. Some work may require the use of magnifying lenses and or microscopes to accomplish repairs on miniature components. Most of the work will be performed in well lighted, heated, and ventilated areas.