Biomedical Engineer

Summary

Biomedical Engineer The incumbent will provide professional engineering support to a complex, highly technical, and service oriented Biomedical Engineering Program. The Biomedical Program includes medical technology assessment, strategic planning, acquisition support, implementation, coordination, equipment management, and ongoing maintenance support.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Program Involvement and Management: The Biomedical Engineer reports directly to the Supervisory Biomedical Engineer. They receive administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions and functions. They exercise authority to oversee the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of assigned Biomedical Program activities. They have responsibility for planning, designing and implementing programs, projects, studies, and other work to support healthcare technology at the Medical Center. Successful execution of these responsibilities has major impact upon the outcome of patient care delivery. Presentations may require written and oral communication as well as preparation of technical, informational, and graphical documentation. Technical Expertise: The Biomedical Engineer is recognized as the technical expert and advisor on Biomedical Engineering issues and aids in the Biomedical Engineering support provided by Biomedical staff at the medical center. They are responsible for providing assistance to the clinical staff in selection and utilization of medical equipment. The Biomedical Engineer advises the management staff in the areas of high-cost and high-volume medical technology, a wide array of general biomedical technology, as well as certain medical-related technology issues. Medical Technology Assessment, Acquisition, and Implementation: The Biomedical Engineer participates in technology assessment of medical equipment systems by working collaboratively with medical staff to evaluate market offerings, determine medical center requirements, design system configurations, and develop specifications. They work collaboratively with the Contracting staff to procure medical equipment that best meets clinical needs while containing resources. The Biomedical Engineer coordinates implementation of medical technology including assessing installation and site preparation requirements, managing project timelines, monitoring installation, and facilitating training of equipment operators and maintainers. While the Biomedical Engineer supports healthcare technology management primarily at the Medical Center, they occasionally support VISN initiatives as well. Medical Equipment Management: The Biomedical Program has direct impact on all clinical services provided by the Medical Center. The program must ensure the provision of safe, reliably maintained, and clinically appropriate medical equipment for the delivery of quality healthcare in a cost-effective manner. The Biomedical Engineer facilitates service support of medical equipment, identifying opportunities and recommending actions to improve service delivery, and cost containment. The Biomedical Engineer supports the Medical Equipment Management component of the Environment of Care for the Medical Center. Patient Safety: The Biomedical Engineer contributes to VHA, VISN, and Medical Center patient safety goals. They assure that medical device recalls and hazard alerts are managed and acted upon as appropriate and that equipment related safety enhancements are implemented in the Medical Center. The Biomedical Engineer supports implementation of effective education programs for medical equipment users. Budgetary and Financial Management: A high degree of technical judgment, initiative, originality, and resourcefulness is required to efficiently and effectively anticipate, identify, and solve unique challenges in the dynamic Medical Center environment. Participation in medical technology management and equipment procurement processes include "right-sizing" equipment functionality, actively participating in the development of technical specifications, evaluating technical proposals, and contributing to price negotiations. The Biomedical Engineer analyzes maintenance strategies including review of out-sourcing versus in-house support. They analyze and recommend optimal maintenance strategies for medical instrumentation systems. The Biomedical Engineer participates in financial management of the Biomedical Engineering Department, including budget forecasting and maintenance cost analysis. Personnel: The Biomedical Engineer consults on matters pertaining to Biomedical Engineering personnel including staffing levels, recruitment, retention, performance, and education. They often direct technical support staff to support effective service delivery. The Biomedical Engineer fosters and coordinates continuous staff development of Biomedical personnel. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 0700-1530 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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. 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. OR, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree. English Language Proficiency: Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Biomedical Engineer Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Biomedical Engineer 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 OR Bachelor's degree, 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. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. ii. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. iii. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. iv. 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 Biomedical Engineer Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, GS-9, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. 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. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commi