Qualifications

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
• Education requirements: 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: GS-12 Biomedical Engineer(Full Performance Level): Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the Biomedical Engineer
• To be credible, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service
• Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: participate in medical device hazard investigations to assure compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA), and JCAHO requirements
• assist in clinical research projects in the biomedical engineering field
• knowledge of an equipment management program that meets current Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements
• Develops material for a continuing education program for clinical staff that addresses the principles and application of medical instrumentation used in the delivery of healthcare
• Advises clinical and administrative staff on emerging medical engineering technology, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems
• performs fact-finding research, verification of data, BME analysis of assigned material
• preparation of draft correspondence in response to technical inquiries concerning BME policies, programs, and objectives
• and collaboration with senior BME staff in developing presentation materials and briefing books, etc
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Employee will continually handle objects weighing up to 20 lbs
• and occasionally objects up to 50 lbs
• Occasionally work will be performed in cramped and awkward positions
• The work also requires frequent periods of standing and walking
• Position requires operating a motor vehicle to service equipment at locations off campus, including transport of objects
• The position constantly operates a computer, tools, and diagnostic test equipment to perform assigned duties
• Technical, academic, and mental demands are considerable
• The work performed is of a precise nature requiring prolonged concentration
• The incumbent will often work under conditions of stress caused by the nature of the medical mission which involves the well-being of the patients and the necessity to meet deadlines.