Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Biomedical Engineer
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBTB-12485021-24-CDP Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, August 26, 2024 to Tuesday, September 3, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).  Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted).  Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
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2. Are you an employee of the facility indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).  Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted).  Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
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Preferences
1. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
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Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages or encrypted, and digitally signed documents linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
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2. Are you willing to accept the conditions of employment as indicated in the announcement? (limit characters)
Accuracy of Application Reminder:
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
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Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Biomedical Engineer position. Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task. Your resume must provide specific examples or documentation of your experience as proof to support your answers. Your failure to adequately document your experience, education, or certification on your resume may result in you being found not qualified for this position. No assumptions are made regarding your qualifications. (limit characters)
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Education. In order to qualify for this position, you must have either

1. A 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.

Do you meet this Education Requirements stated above for this position?

You must submit transcripts with your application package. 
You must also provide a copy of your Certification, if you are basing your qualifications on CCE Certification.
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2. English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Are you proficient in spoken and written English?
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GRADE DETERMINATION: 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.
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Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
3. Entry Level, GS-7: To qualify for the GS-07 level, Applicants must meet one of the following: 

(a) Experience. None beyond the Basic Requirements.

(b) Education. Bachelor's Degree as outlined above, or CCE Certification with at least a Bachelor's Degree not listed above.

AND

(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. None beyond the Basic Requirements.

(d) Assignment. Employees serve in an entry level biomedical engineer career development position. It is expected that Biomedical Engineers at the entry level receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and perform assignments under close supervision.

Do you meet all of the requirements listed above for the Biomedical Engineer, GS-07 grade level?

You must fully detail this experience in your resume. Failure to do so may result in a not qualified rating.
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4. Developmental Level 1, GS-9: To qualify for the GS-09 level, Applicants must meet one of the following: 

(a) Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-07. 

OR,

(b) Education. In addition to experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
 i. Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in the Basic Education Requirement stated above. OR,

ii. Bachelor's degree, as outlined in the Basic Education Requirement stated above, 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 theGS-9 level assignment.

AND

(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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 healthcare 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.

(d) Assignment. Biomedical Engineers, at this developmental level, require direction on more complex tasks. Employees complete technical assignments in the engineering field, under the direction of a senior biomedical engineer and will be required to rotate through, and participate in, the operations of other hospital services. At the GS-9 grade level, employees function with oversight by a supervisor for more complex assignments.

Do you meet all of the requirements listed above for the Biomedical Engineer, GS-09 grade level?

You must fully detail this experience in your resume. Failure to do so may result in a not qualified rating.
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5. Developmental Level 2, GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11 level, Applicants must meet one of the following: 

(a) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

OR,

(b) Education.
i. Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in the Basic Education Requirement stated above; OR
ii. Bachelor's Degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in the Basic Education Requirement stated above.

AND

(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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 Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation.

(d) Assignment. At the developmental level, employees function on a semi- independent basis with limited oversight by senior biomedical engineers. They participate in medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA), TJC requirements, and assist in the development of an equipment management program at the medical center. Employees may lead medical technology deployments, directly support medical equipment, or participate in research projects.

Do you meet all of the requirements listed above for the Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 grade level?

You must fully detail this experience in your resume. Failure to do so may result in a not qualified rating.
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6. Full Performance Level, GS-12: To qualify for the GS-12 level, Applicants must meet one of the following: 

(a) 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.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i. Ability to conduct a medical equipment management or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies.
ii. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices.
iii. 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.
iv. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment.
v. 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.
vi. 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.
vii. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA.
viii. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization.
ix. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies.

(c) Assignment. At the full performance level, employees work under general supervision, with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. Drawing upon extended professional and technical experience, employees demonstrate an intimate understanding of complex clinical and biomedical subject matter. They serve as institutional resources, working extensively with clinical stakeholders, supporting clinical services by leading market research, technology assessments, integration planning, and implementation of both current and emerging medical technologies. The employee shares responsibility for managing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), network security issues for medical systems, and the information communicated across these systems. Biomedical Engineers at the GS-12 grade level further support the clinical mission by contributing to the continuing education program for clinical staff, helping ensure safe and efficient healthcare delivery. Biomedical Engineers at the GS-12 grade level support the institution by assisting with capital asset and infrastructure planning, to help ensure successful strategic planning. They may collaborate frequently with contracting to execute judicious healthcare technology procurements. Within the Biomedical Engineering Department, the employee provides leadership that ensures high quality and responsive customer service is an integral component of biomedical engineering service delivery. They are highly effective communicators, capable of serving as subject matter experts directly supporting the life cycle management of clinical technology, to include ongoing service, system administration, training, and quality assurance. At this level, employees may assist in clinical research projects in the biomedical engineering field.

Do you meet all of the requirements listed above for the Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 grade level?

You must fully detail this experience in your resume. Failure to do so may result in a not qualified rating.
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RESUME REMINDER - Your resume must include the following for each job listed:
1) Job Title and Grade Level/Salary (for all Federal positions you have held). In order to show that you meet time-in-grade, you must document grades you have held and how long you have held them.
2) Duties (you must include enough detailed information to support your specialized experience)
3) Month, day and year start/end dates (e.g. FROM 04/02/2007 to TO 04/13/2008)
4) Full-time or Part-time status (include HOURS WORKED PER WEEK for each job listed)
5) Full Name and Address of Employer

Resume Must Support Response. Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

RECOMMENDATION: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
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Transcript Reminder - If you are basing your qualifications on Education, or a combination of education and experience, or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit Official or Unofficial copies of college transcripts to support your educational claims. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
7. Certify: I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibility may be canceled; I may be denied an appointment; or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5. C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated and that responding "No" or providing no response to this item will result in me not being considered for this position.

Do you certify that, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith?
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