Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS)

Description

Support the full lifecycle management of medical equipment across imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring. Provide technical support using engineering/mechanical concepts, including physical and network support, maintenance, safety/recall remediation, and CMMS documentation. Coordinate with facility departments and ensure compliance with medical device safety standards and VA medical device cybersecurity policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform lifecycle management of medical systems with physical and network support

• Conduct incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and plan end-of-life replacements with clinical services

• Use standard test equipment (e.g., patient simulators, network analyzers, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, multimeters)

• Maintain knowledge of applicable safety codes and regulatory standards (e.g., TJC, NFPA, FDA, NRC, AAMI)

• Document all work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) per regulatory and VA HTM documentation policies

• Apply networking principles to resolve communication issues and follow VA medical device cybersecurity policies

• Load operating system and clinical application software as needed; respond to network incidents per VA policy

• Serve as COR as assigned; develop statements of work/justifications and oversee vendor work

• Investigate, remediate, and document repairable medical device recalls and safety alerts through ARMS

• Participate in safety improvement processes (e.g., RCA, safety work groups, Environment of Care Rounds) and correct hazards

• Stay current on medical technology, network protocols, and vendor changes; pursue continuous professional development

• Provide training and education to end users and clinical staff; mentor peers and developmental BESS staff

• Lead/coordinate installation or upgrade projects as assigned with end users, vendors, and onsite teams

• Represent Biomedical/Clinical Engineering on committees as delegated

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete VA onboarding and pre-employment requirements; provide acceptable identification

• Subject to urinalysis drug testing if selected in a testing-designated position

• Selective Service Registration required for eligible males

• Seasonal influenza vaccination program participation required

• Education/training and/or qualifying certifications per BESS basic requirements (e.g., CBET/CLES/CRES/CHTM) and ability to meet GS-05 to GS-11 qualification KSAs

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the specific position type and schedule.