Engineering the Future of Veteran Care: Join the Montana VA

Are you an engineer looking to combine your technical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Montana VA Health Care System is currently seeking a motivated Healthcare Engineer to join our team at the historic Fort Harrison campus in Helena, Montana. This position offers the rare opportunity to impact the physical infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Healthcare Engineer, you are the backbone of our physical operations. You will be tasked with:

Project Planning & Execution: Determining requirements, reconnaissance, and preparing detailed specifications for Minor Construction and Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) projects.
Design Oversight: Reviewing and modifying designs to meet clinical needs and building regulations.
Construction Management: Inspecting materials and methods, surveying progress, and ensuring contractor compliance with safety and quality standards.
Advisory Services: Providing expert technical guidance to clinical and administrative staff regarding facility technology and infrastructure.
Budgeting & Procurement: Developing cost estimates for competitive bidding and managing contract payments.

Comparison: Typical Engineering Roles vs. VA Healthcare Engineer

Feature	Private Sector Engineer	VA Healthcare Engineer
Work Scope	Often task-specific	Multi-disciplinary/Broad
Impact	Profit-driven	Mission-driven (Veterans)
Environment	Standard offices/sites	Complex, clinical environments
Benefits	Varying	Extensive Federal Package

Requirements

To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the basic educational requirements—typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture from an accredited program. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English and pass a pre-employment physical. Depending on your experience level (GS-07 to GS-12), you may need specific years of equivalent professional experience or advanced graduate-level education.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is competitive and determined by the GS (General Schedule) pay scale, currently ranging from $62,504 to $139,166 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. Federal employees also benefit from regular pay adjustments and step increases based on performance and longevity.

Benefits

Working for the VA is about more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, including:

Comprehensive Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
Retirement Security: Federal pension (FERS) and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Support Services: Access to childcare subsidies for eligible families and paid parental leave.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: The VA utilizes specific criteria. Ensure your experience clearly highlights your engineering and project management achievements.
Follow Instructions: Missing a document, such as an SF-50 or the mandatory Clinical Resume document, will disqualify your application.
Detail Your Experience: Do not assume the reviewer knows your background. Explicitly state your involvement in specific projects, codes, and construction methods.

If you are a dedicated engineer ready to apply your skills in a setting that truly matters, we invite you to apply to the Montana VA. From the historic landscapes of Fort Harrison to the opportunity to support the lives of Veterans, this is a career path that rewards both your professional expertise and your personal values.

Why This Healthcare Engineer Job Matters

Transform healthcare environments as a Healthcare Engineer with the Montana VA—where cutting-edge facility design meets a life-changing mission.

Healthcare Engineer Job Overview

The Montana VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Healthcare Engineer to join our team in Fort Harrison, MT. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the full lifecycle of healthcare facility projects, from initial planning and design to construction administration. You will ensure our medical centers and outpatient clinics meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and functionality, ultimately providing a superior environment for those who have served our country. This is an exceptional opportunity to balance complex engineering challenges with a high quality of life in the scenic Helena region.

Requirements for Healthcare Engineer

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited institution
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect (or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam)
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Must undergo a background and security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Healthcare Engineer

Extensive experience in healthcare engineering
Proven background in construction project management
Expertise in design review and technical drawing interpretation
In-depth knowledge of building codes and healthcare regulatory standards (TJC, OSHA, NFPA)

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Generous leave: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
✓Traditional pension plan (5-year vesting) and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% employer match
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families

💡 How to Apply Healthcare Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Healthcare Engineer Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
Upload your full resume, transcripts, and relevant certifications (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your competencies.
Ensure your documentation is complete, including proof of education and licensure.
Verify your eligibility documents (SF-50, etc.) are up to date before uploading.
Review your application status frequently through the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time, onsite position operating Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, recruitment incentives and relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) are not authorized for this position.

Can I perform this job remotely?

No, this is an onsite position at the Fort Harrison VA facility and is not eligible for full-time remote or virtual work.

Is a Professional Engineer (PE) license required?

*A: While it is a primary qualification, you may also qualify through an ABET-accredited degree paired with the passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.*

Is this position telework eligible?

*A: While the role requires significant onsite work, there is a component of administrative tasking that may fall under Ad-Hoc telework policies.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Montana VA Health Care System carries out this noble mission by providing state-of-the-art, patient-centered care. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Harrison serves as the regional hub for VA services in Montana, offering a professional environment that balances complexity and growth with an unmatched outdoor lifestyle.