Biomedical Engineer

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Program at the VA Medical Center, Tomah, Wisconsin where in collaboration with the Chief Biomedical Engineer or designee, achieve assigned professional development objectives that supplement the required core objectives required to fulfill requirements for the Biomedical Engineer position.

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-07 Biomedical Engineer (Entry Level) - Meets the basic requirements as described above.

GS-09 Biomedical Engineer (Developmental Level 1) - Experience/Education Requirement: Must possess [One] year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) OR Education; master's degree in biomedical engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined above on question 2.

OR Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph above on question 2, plus two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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 Biomedical Engineer (Developmental Level 2) -Experience/Education Requirement: Must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) or Education; Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in question 2.

OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in question 2.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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 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. Major Duties:

Major duties (full performance level): Responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, installing/implementing Medical Equipment capital assets.

Responsible for creation and modification of all policies and procedures for medical equipment that meet or exceed Joint Commission, NFPA, FDA, SMDA or VA standards, including annual reviews, performance improvement, and implementation.

Responsible for new equipment purchasing including planning, budgeting, prioritizing, evaluating, and implementing/installing new equipment.

Applies advanced theories, principles, concepts and practices of Biomedical Engineering to keep abreast of changes in technology and utilize that information to meet operational needs.

Manages the recall and safety alerts for medical devices. Instigates incidents to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA and Joint Commission requirements.

Investigates situations or phenomena which have or may affect or compromise efficacy of medical services.

Acts as medical center liaison to outside agencies (manufacturers, FDA, etc.) concerning design, modification, application, operation, maintenance, reliability, performance and incidents.

Directs quality assurance program for clinical equipment which includes incoming inspection and acceptance testing, performance and safety testing, calibration, and maintenance and repair programs.

Develops and implements curriculum for staff that addresses the safe and effective use of medical equipment and technology on a continuing basis.

Coordinates with other Biomedical Engineering staff for medical equipment project planning and implementation.

Interacts with medical staff to prepare incident reports involving medical equipment to comply with the Safe Medical Devices Act.

Participates in and helps organize investigations to gather data necessary for these incident reports.

Serves as a consultant and technical expert to medial staff and medical center management in all areas relating to complex and specialized medical equipment.

This includes equipment selection, installation, maintenance, administration, misuse, replacement, clinical problems, and quality assurance. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Telework: Ad-Hoc telework will be discussed during interview. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08065F, 08064F, 08063F, 08062F