Advance Your Career: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) to join the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) team in Hines, Illinois. This position is perfect for technical professionals who want their work to have a meaningful impact on the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans. If you have a background in biomedical information systems, clinical networking, and lifecycle management, this could be your next career milestone.
Job Responsibilities
The BESS (Information Systems) role is multifaceted, requiring a blend of technical expertise and project management. Key responsibilities include:
- Lifecycle Management: Overseeing the acquisition, maintenance, and decommissioning of complex networked medical devices.
- System Maintenance: Managing servers, databases, and clinical software, including OS updates and patch management.
- Cybersecurity: Implementing security protocols to protect medical devices from vulnerabilities, aligning with FISMA, NIST, and FDA standards.
- Incident Response: Leading recovery efforts during system outages or network failures.
- Contract Management: Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to oversee vendor performance and ensure compliance with technical requirements.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:
- Education/Experience: A degree in biomedical technology, engineering, or IT, combined with at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of HL7 and DICOM standards, network configuration, and diagnostic software.
- Background: All candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass a physical examination, and undergo a background/suitability investigation.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level, with a competitive salary range:
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (GS-12) | $101,313 - $131,710 per year |
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package that supports both your career and your personal life. Benefits include federal health insurance options, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume clearly mirrors the language used in the job description. Quantify your achievements where possible—for example, mention how many systems you managed or the scale of the networks you secured. Always submit all required documentation, including your SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine IT security and biomedical engineering in a way that directly supports the health of our Veterans. With a strong starting salary and the stability of a federal career, this position in Hines, IL, is a significant opportunity for experienced professionals.
Why This Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) Job Matters
Join the forefront of medical innovation at the VA. We are seeking a skilled Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist to manage the life-critical systems that support our nation's heroes.
Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is looking for a dedicated Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) to join our Healthcare Technology Management team in Hines, Illinois. This vital role focuses on the lifecycle management, security, and maintenance of complex medical equipment and clinical software interfaces. You will ensure that advanced medical technologies remain operational, secure, and fully compliant with federal standards to provide uninterrupted care to our Veterans.
Requirements for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless recruitment of citizens is not possible).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a relevant degree in biomedical technology, engineering, electronics, or information technology.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Must be able to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in cramped spaces.
Preferred Qualifications for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems)
- Active certification as a CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM.
- Advanced knowledge of HL7 and DICOM standards.
- Experience managing medical network infrastructure, including VLANs and IP addressing.
- Demonstrated ability to apply cybersecurity standards like FISMA, NIST, and FDA guidelines to medical hardware.
- Experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and TSP
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and certification opportunities
💡 How to Apply Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) Job
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents by the November 3, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the hiring panel knows the scope of your previous roles.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience meets the GS-11 equivalency requirement.
- Double-check that all professional certifications and educational transcripts are attached.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote?
No, this is an on-site position located in Hines, Illinois. Telework is not available.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position is designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, though a background/suitability investigation is required.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, relevant volunteer experience or unpaid work that demonstrates required competencies is considered during the evaluation process.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans annually, the VHA relies on a vast infrastructure of sophisticated medical technology. As part of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department, you will ensure that these essential systems remain functional, secure, and ready for clinical use.