Healthcare Engineer

Veterans Health Administration • Durham, NC

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Healthcare Engineer serves as a Project Engineer at the Durham Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. The position plans projects, produces and manages designs, manages construction, and provides construction administration for Minor Construction, Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM), Station Level, and other projects across an assigned medical center and associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

The role covers capital asset and infrastructure planning, design, construction, and implementation of buildings, utilities, and medical support systems. It includes assessing healthcare-system needs at parent and off-site VA-owned or leased locations, coordinating temporary measures that protect patients and staff during construction, and maintaining continuity of building and utility services so medical operations can continue.

Depending on grade level, work includes site surveys and investigations; developing plans and specifications for renovations, additions, utility systems, and medical-equipment installations; leading large maintenance activities; reviewing architectural and engineering submissions for technical adequacy, compliance, quality, and cost effectiveness; advising management on project options; and evaluating whether projects support healthcare programs and operations. The position applies VA policies and design standards, industry codes, and healthcare regulatory requirements, including relevant Joint Commission and NFPA standards.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling, telework, and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives, as well as permanent change of station authorization, are not offered.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from a qualifying accredited curriculum; alternatively, a bachelor's degree with evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, or current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect, as specified in the posting.
• For GS-07: no experience beyond the basic requirements.
• For GS-09: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or qualifying graduate education as specified in the posting; must demonstrate engineering principles, ability to interpret codes and standards, understanding of clinical engineering needs, and ability to prepare technical material and stay current with engineering technology.
• For GS-11: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or qualifying doctoral or graduate education as specified in the posting; must demonstrate relevant engineering or architectural knowledge, healthcare project management, application of healthcare standards and codes, communication skills, and ability to advise on engineering technology.
• For GS-12: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade; must demonstrate broad engineering and healthcare regulatory knowledge, construction knowledge, research and analytical skills, ability to execute complex projects and inspections, and ability to organize and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Meet the applicable experience or education requirements for the grade level sought.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if selected for a testing-designated position, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Complete required background and security investigation, online onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements.
• Register with Selective Service if subject to the requirement for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Healthcare experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan healthcare engineering projects and produce, manage, and administer project designs and construction.
• Conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning and design for buildings, utilities, and medical support systems, from strategic planning through implementation.
• Manage Minor Construction, Non-Recurring Maintenance, Station Level, leased, and other construction projects in accordance with VA policies, design guides, manuals, specifications, and applicable codes and standards.
• Conduct or oversee surveys and site investigations to establish baseline information for renovations, alterations, and additions.
• Develop plans and specifications for building and grounds alterations, utility systems, and sites prepared for medical-equipment installation.
• Provide direct support or direction for large maintenance activities requiring facility-wide coordination; lead coordination with customers and advise affected services on options.
• Review architectural and engineering submissions for adequacy, correctness, consistency with VA standards and objectives, design quality, cost effectiveness, code compliance, and professional presentation.
• Recommend engineering solutions and alternatives to help management achieve project objectives using sound engineering practices.
• Evaluate healthcare programs and services to ensure projects support organizational needs, service expansion, and efficient operations.
• Determine project requirements for the healthcare system's parent site and off-site VA-owned or leased locations.
• Determine temporary construction means and methods that reduce risks to patients and staff while maintaining standards of medical care.
• Manage construction and post-project activities while maintaining continuity of building and utility services for medical operations.
• Apply healthcare codes, regulatory requirements, VA design requirements, and relevant industry standards when guiding architectural and engineering firms.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level