Launch Your Engineering Career with the VA in Memphis
Are you an engineer looking to apply your technical skills in a way that truly matters? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a talented Healthcare Engineer to join our team at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. This role is pivotal in maintaining the infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Project Engineer, your daily work will be both diverse and challenging. You will be tasked with:
- Project Oversight: Managing the full lifecycle of construction and maintenance projects from concept to completion.
- Contract Management: Overseeing architects, engineers, and construction contractors to ensure strict adherence to VA standards and safety codes.
- Strategic Planning: Performing infrastructure planning for utilities, buildings, and medical support systems.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Chairing integrated project teams to align clinical needs with engineering solutions.
- Safety Compliance: Ensuring that all projects meet rigorous standards set by OSHA, the Joint Commission, and the NFPA.
Salary and Grade Comparison
This position offers a broad pay scale that reflects the developmental nature of the role, ranging from entry-level to full performance.
| Grade Level | Focus | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 | Entry Developmental | Basic Education |
| GS-09 | Developmental | 1 year at GS-07 or Master's degree |
| GS-11 | Developmental | 1 year at GS-09 or Ph.D. |
| GS-12 | Full Performance | 1 year at GS-11 |
Requirements
To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens and possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering or architectural field from an accredited institution. Evidence of EIT certification or professional licensure may also satisfy qualification standards.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees receive:
- Access to federal health and retirement benefits.
- Structured career progression with potential for advancement to GS-12.
- A collaborative, mission-focused culture.
- Access to training and professional development resources.
Application Tips
When applying, emphasize your project management experience. Because this is a direct-hire position, clarity in your resume is essential. Explain your specific contributions to past projects and detail how your engineering background enables you to manage complex schedules and budgets.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role requires on-site presence at the Memphis medical center to oversee construction and facilities management.
If you are ready to make a significant impact on the lives of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the perfect balance of technical challenge and service to the community. Visit the official USAJOBS portal to submit your application today.
Why This Healthcare Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of veteran healthcare by leading critical infrastructure and engineering projects at the prestigious Lt. Col. Luke Weathers VA Medical Center in Memphis.
Healthcare Engineer Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Healthcare Engineer to join our team in Memphis, Tennessee. In this role, you will be responsible for the comprehensive planning, design, and oversight of various infrastructure and construction projects, including minor construction and non-recurring maintenance. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure that our medical facilities—ranging from our main campus to community-based clinics—continue to provide state-of-the-art care to our nation's heroes. This position is a unique opportunity to apply your engineering expertise in a high-impact, clinical environment.
Requirements for Healthcare Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship.
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited program.
- Possession of an Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certificate or professional engineering/architectural license is acceptable in lieu of certain degree requirements.
- For GS-09 and above: At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or qualifying graduate education.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and suitability screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Healthcare Engineer
- Experience in healthcare-related engineering or construction management.
- Knowledge of Joint Commission, OSHA, and NFPA standards within a healthcare setting.
- Proficiency in project management for complex utility and medical support systems.
- Ability to interpret and apply building codes and regulations to clinical environments.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating with external contractors.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with defined growth potential.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- ✓Support for work-life balance in a stable federal work environment.
💡 How to Apply Healthcare Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Healthcare Engineer Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare your resume detailing relevant engineering experience and education.
- Gather necessary documentation including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume regarding your experience; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly show your degree and coursework.
- Highlight any experience you have with building codes or regulatory compliance, even if it is not in a hospital setting.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before submitting.
- Monitor your status through your online dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare-specific experience required?
No. While it is highly beneficial, we welcome engineers from all backgrounds. If your experience is in another industry, clearly explain how your skills in project management and design apply to our facility's needs.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
This position has a promotion potential up to the GS-12 level. Promotions are based on performance and meeting regulatory requirements without the need for further competition.
Do I need to have worked in a hospital before?
No, while clinical engineering experience is preferred, we value transferable skills in construction and project management. Be sure to address how you would apply your expertise to a healthcare environment in your application.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and their families. The Memphis facility is a Level 1 Tertiary Care Center, serving over 206,000 Veterans across three states. As a major teaching hospital, the facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology, making it an ideal environment for engineers who want to work on complex, high-stakes projects.