Become a Safety Engineer with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
If you are a dedicated engineering professional passionate about public health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a unique opportunity for you. We are looking for an experienced Safety Engineer to join our Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. This role is essential for maintaining safety standards in our nation’s healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety Engineer, your primary focus will be the safety and structural soundness of healthcare facilities participating in the Medicare program. Your daily duties will include:
- Conducting on-site life safety and emergency preparedness inspections.
- Interpreting and enforcing the Life Safety Code (LSC).
- Recommending corrective actions and termination procedures when facilities fall short of federal standards.
- Providing technical guidance to CMS management regarding LSC waivers.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET) or equivalent. |
| Experience | At least 52 weeks of experience equivalent to GS-12. |
| Technical | Proficiency in Life Safety Code and fire inspections. |
| Documentation | Current resume (max 2 pages) and official/unofficial transcripts. |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $90,925 – $118,204, with locality-based variations depending on whether you are stationed in Maryland, Missouri, or Texas. Employees enjoy a competitive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work schedules.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume uses the USAJOBS resume builder for accuracy. Always double-check that your work history includes specific dates, hours per week, and salary information. Finally, monitor your email closely after applying to ensure you complete the required online assessments within the 48-hour window.
This role offers a unique intersection of engineering and public service. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to uphold the safety standards of American healthcare, apply today.
Why This Safety Engineer Job Matters
Protect the health of the nation by ensuring safety compliance at the highest level of federal healthcare standards.
Safety Engineer Job Overview
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking a highly skilled Safety Engineer to join the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Code. This vital role involves conducting on-site inspections, enforcing federal Life Safety Code regulations, and providing technical leadership to ensure health care facilities remain safe, secure, and compliant. You will play a key part in the mission to maintain high-quality, efficient healthcare environments across the United States.
Requirements for Safety Engineer
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates core engineering knowledge.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal sector.
- Experience conducting fire and life safety inspections or surveys of healthcare facilities.
- Expertise in applying safety engineering principles to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Proven ability to provide technical guidance on Life Safety Codes, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
- Submission of a professional resume (maximum two pages) meeting all specified formatting requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety Engineer
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
- Expert knowledge of the Health Care Facilities Code and related federal standards.
- Experience in interdisciplinary technical environments involving large-scale public health programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Robust retirement savings plan including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities at management discretion.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and humanitarian service assignments.
💡 How to Apply Safety Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety Engineer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on the official portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including all required employment details and formatting.
- Submit your application via the online portal before the deadline.
- Complete the required online assessments (USA Hire) within 48 hours of notification if prompted.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and applicable certifications.
- Track your application status through your user account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the resume builder tool to ensure you include mandatory data points like hours worked per week and specific grade levels.
- Verify that your transcripts are ready before starting; unofficial copies are acceptable for the application phase.
- Double-check your resume length; submissions exceeding two pages may lead to an ineligible rating.
- Set aside at least three hours for the online competency assessment, though many complete it sooner.
- Submit your application well ahead of the September 10, 2026, deadline to account for any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Safety Engineer at CMS?
You will serve as an expert in fire and life safety, conducting inspections of healthcare providers to ensure they meet federal regulations and the Life Safety Code.
Are telework options available?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, with flexible work arrangements available at the manager's discretion.
What happens if I forget to submit my transcript?
Failure to provide educational documentation is a disqualifying factor; your application will not be considered.
Job from Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and CMS work in partnership with the healthcare community to improve quality and efficiency. A career with us offers the chance to influence national healthcare issues while being part of a highly visible, professional organization.