Healthcare Engineer

Summary

This position evaluates programs—construction and maintenance projects—and systems for compliance; and coordinates with Facilities Management/Maintenance staff to provide guidance in alignment with VA directives/policy and The Joint Commission (TJC) Accreditation incorporating a wide range of systems including mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.

• 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:
    
    Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture.
  • The curriculum must be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology—Engineering Accreditation Commission (excludes engineering technology) or the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
  • Acceptable degrees include, but are not limited to:
    Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering.
  • Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time.
  • —OR—Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Evidence can be in the form of an Engineering in Training certificate issued from any State—District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico—or test results from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) identifying a passing score.
  • —OR—Evidence of current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
  • Evidence of current professional registration or licensure can be from any State—including District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
  • 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:
    Healthcare Engineer – GS‑07.
  • Experience:
    
    None beyond the basic requirements.
• Healthcare Engineer – GS‑09:
  • Experience or
    
    Education:
    
    Candidates must meet one of the following:
    One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR Master of Engineering, Master of Architecture, or Master of Science in Engineering or a related field; OR Bachelor’s degree plus two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in a related field.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
    Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the engineering profession;
    Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards to make recommendations to assure compliance;
    Ability to understand the operational professional engineering needs of clinical services;
    Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends for presentation to other technical staff and mid‑level hospital management;
    Ability to stay abreast of changes in engineering technology related to a healthcare facility.
• Healthcare Engineer – GS‑11:
  • Experience or
    
    Education:
    
    Candidates must meet one of the following:
    One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Engineering or a related field; OR Master of Engineering, Master of Architecture, or Master of Science in Engineering plus one full year of progressively higher‑level graduate education; OR Bachelor’s degree plus three full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education.
  • KSAs:
    Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, or other engineering/architectural principles and practices;
    Knowledge of basic project management principles;
    Ability to apply healthcare engineering related standards, codes, policies, and regulations incl. state and local codes;
    Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers with tact and diplomacy;
    Ability to develop material for clinical or administrative staff addressing principles and application of engineering technology;
    Ability to advise staff on emerging engineering technology and apply it to solve facility engineering challenges.
• Healthcare Engineer – GS‑12:
  • Experience:
    
    One year of experience equivalent to the next…