Advance Your Career in Clinical Engineering with the VA
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is looking for a skilled professional to join our team as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS). If you have a passion for medical technology and a desire to serve the men and women who have defended our nation, this is your opportunity to work at the intersection of innovation and care.
Job Responsibilities
As a BESS, you will serve as the backbone of our medical device integrity. Your core duties include:
- Lifecycle Management: Overseeing equipment from procurement to decommissioning.
- Technical Maintenance: Performing planned maintenance and corrective repairs on a vast array of clinical systems.
- Networking: Applying IT principles to manage medical device security and integration.
- Customer Support: Educating staff on safe operation and assisting with technical troubleshooting.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must meet specific educational or certification standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English.
- An Associate degree in a relevant technical field OR valid industry certification (CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM).
- Ability to clear a security investigation and drug test.
| Level | Experience/Education Required |
|---|---|
| GS-05 | Basic requirements met |
| GS-07 | 1 year equivalent experience + KSA mastery |
| GS-09 | 1 year equivalent experience + Advanced KSA mastery |
| GS-11 | 1 year equivalent experience + Full performance mastery |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $67,858 to $161,729 per year. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy a robust federal benefits package including generous leave accrual, health insurance, and retirement plans.
Application Tips
Your resume must be detailed. Avoid generic descriptions; use specific examples of the equipment you have serviced and the technical standards you have applied. Ensure all certifications are clearly marked.
Working at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System offers a rare combination of clinical impact and academic prestige. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the full details and submit their application through the official portal.
Why This Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career in medical technology at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, where cutting-edge research meets life-changing patient care.
Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Job Overview
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) to join our Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) team. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the reliability, safety, and functionality of essential medical equipment and clinical systems that our Veterans rely on daily. You will manage equipment lifecycles, perform complex troubleshooting, and conduct preventative maintenance, all while contributing to a world-class academic environment affiliated with Stanford University School of Medicine.
Requirements for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Completion of a background and security investigation
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Must comply with mandatory influenza vaccination requirements
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of a 1-2 year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
- Associate degree or higher in biomedical technology or engineering
- Certification as CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM
- Experience with networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLAN, and ACL
- Ability to interpret complex technical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Project management skills within a clinical healthcare setting
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Annual Leave and Sick Leave accrual
- ✓Participation in life-changing research and development
- ✓Professional development opportunities in an academic teaching hospital
💡 How to Apply Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV detailing your technical experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, certifications, and DD-214.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear when describing your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Ensure all educational documents are from accredited institutions.
- Double-check that all required documents, including certifications, are uploaded correctly.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a BESS at the VA?
A BESS is responsible for the full lifecycle management of medical equipment, including troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and ensuring clinical systems remain safe and operational for patient care.
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this position is open to all qualified U.S. citizens.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Part of the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), the VA Palo Alto Health Care System is more than just a hospital—it is a leading research and teaching facility. Affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, we operate over 800 beds and provide comprehensive care across a wide range of medical specialties. Our commitment is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who served.