Summary The Biomedical Engineer supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology is responsible for the professional management and support of the network interconnection/communication and software functionality of networked medical devices at the Madison VA Hospital, and CBOCs. If you are not a Current, Permanent VA Nationwide employee, you may apply to announcement number CAZP-12549710-25-BG, open to the public. Responsibilities VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. This position will serve as a Biomedical Engineer within the Clinical Biomedical Engineering Section at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI. The Biomedical Engineer is responsible for providing professional engineering support and expert management to a complex, diversified inventory of networked and software driven equipment used in the treatment and diagnosis of patients. Major duties included but are not limited to: Provides the hospital with professional Biomedical Engineering expertise. Serves as the technical expert on VA's Medical Device Protection Program (MDPP). Serves as a technical advisor on the hospital's equipment committee. Anticipates the development and future clinical use of diagnostic, therapeutic, analytic, and image systems not yet on the market. Evaluates the implications that such changes in technology and systems will have on the clinical staff, the Biomedical Engineering Program, and the hospital in general. Functions as a subject matter expert in the field of networked medical equipment in biomedical engineering. Serves as a contracting officer's representative (COR) for biomedical equipment and networked medical devices projects. Ensures that the work is appropriately accomplished and that all applicable policies and guidelines are properly followed. Coordinates, designs, implements, and specifies parameters for integration of medical equipment with information systems including hospital network(s) and VA/VISN-wide area networks. Coordinates installation, inspection, and pre-purchase evaluation and technology assessments of highly sophisticated medical equipment systems that are microprocessor controlled, software driven, and in many cases connected to the VA information technology network. Responsible for managing medical device network connections and ensuring connectivity and communication with clinical record/information systems. Manages and supports medical device software applications and ensures FDA compliance. Manages and supports a recall and safety alert program for medical devices Manages and supports specific clinical applications and networked medical systems. Determines actions necessary in the implementation of the preventive maintenance and repair of highly complex medical equipment at this facility. Responsible for ensuring that all work performed is correctly entered into the work order database utilizing all applicable VHA guidance and directives. Serves as a point of contact on construction projects, information technology projects, space functional changes, and associated planning with respect to RTLS medical technologies. Participates in regular communications with facility OIT staff, and the anesthesia staff, and critical care staff. VA Careers - Biomedical Engineer: https://youtube.com/embed/F571hsIKQUk Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, Day Shift Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Current, valid state-issued driver's license is required for this position 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. English Language Proficiency: Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education and/or Experience: [The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: (1) 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. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed above. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) 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-7 (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in paragraph 3.b.(1).] Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. None beyond the basic requirements. Biomedical Engineer, GS-9 (Developmental Level 1) Experience. At least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR, Education Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1).OR, Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), 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. 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. Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 (Developmental Level 2) Experience. At least [one] year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, [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, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1).] 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 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.] Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Driver's License Requirement: A current, valid state-issued driver's license is required for this position. Note: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued license. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 25, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks (Friday). Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.