Advancing Veteran Care: Become a Biomedical Engineer at the Indianapolis VA
Are you a skilled engineer looking to apply your technical expertise toward a greater purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Biomedical Engineer at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. This position is not just a job—it is an opportunity to directly support the technology that enables life-saving care for our Veterans.
About the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center
Since 1932, the Indianapolis VA Medical Center has served as a cornerstone of healthcare for Indiana’s Veterans. As a tertiary care facility, it provides a vast array of services ranging from acute inpatient care to specialized radiation oncology and rehabilitative programs. The facility is a hub of innovation, located just minutes from the vibrant downtown Indianapolis area, known for its thriving cultural and culinary scenes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Biomedical Engineer, your role is to ensure the integrity, safety, and functionality of all medical technology within the facility. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle management of imaging systems, life support monitors, and networking infrastructure.
Key duties include:
- Developing strategic plans for medical technology acquisition and installation.
- Ensuring full compliance with regulatory bodies like The Joint Commission (TJC), FDA, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Acting as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to oversee vendor work and procurement.
- Managing cybersecurity protocols for networked medical devices.
- Participating in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and safety improvement committees.
Requirements for Success
To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must meet strict federal standards:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering field from an ABET-accredited curriculum.
- Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Clearance: Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and drug screening.
Compensation and Benefits
Joining the federal workforce offers a level of security and comprehensive benefits that are highly competitive in the engineering industry.
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $116,537 - $151,502 |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k (TSP) with 5% matching |
| Paid Time Off | Up to 50 total days (annual, sick, and federal holidays) |
| Insurance | Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options |
| Family Support | Paid parental leave and child care subsidy eligibility |
Application Tips
Competition for federal positions is high. To stand out, ensure your resume is comprehensive. Use the exact "mm/yyyy" date format for your employment history and clearly state the number of hours worked per week. If you are a current or former federal employee, you must include your grade level on your resume. Failing to include these specific details can result in disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there relocation assistance for this role? A: No, relocation assistance or permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Q: Can I apply if I am not a veteran? A: Absolutely. This position is open to the public, and while it is with the VA, specific veterans' preference rules do not apply to this shortage-category position.
If you are a passionate engineer with a heart for service, the Indianapolis VA is the perfect place to grow your career. By maintaining the medical systems that support our Veterans, you are performing vital work that literally saves lives. Review your qualifications, prepare your documentation, and submit your application today to join a team dedicated to excellence.
Why This Biomedical Engineer Job Matters
Join the mission to advance veteran health technology in the heart of Indianapolis. Make a direct impact on those who served by managing the sophisticated medical systems that power the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center.
Biomedical Engineer Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Biomedical Engineer to join the Healthcare Technology Management Service team in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role is pivotal in ensuring our facilities operate with cutting-edge medical equipment and technology. You will manage the entire lifecycle of complex healthcare systems—from strategic planning and procurement to installation, maintenance, and cybersecurity oversight—ensuring our clinicians have the reliable tools they need to provide world-class care to our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Biomedical Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Commitment to a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Biomedical Engineer
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Post-doctoral research fellowship in biomedical engineering.
- Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) certification.
- Experience managing medical device recalls and hazard investigations.
- Proven expertise in capital asset planning and infrastructure development for healthcare settings.
- Experience as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in a government setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal pension and 401k-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.
- ✓Opportunities for annual salary increases based on performance and pay-scale adjustments.
💡 How to Apply Biomedical Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Biomedical Engineer Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume documenting professional experience in mm/yyyy format with weekly hours.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and, if applicable, professional certifications.
- Review your application for accuracy before the submission deadline.
- Submit your final application package via the online portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the grade level of any previous federal positions held.
- Specify if your work experience was full-time or part-time (include hours per week for part-time).
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be explicit about your skills and accomplishments.
- Ensure all educational degrees are from institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Check your application status frequently via the USAJOBS portal after the announcement closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applied to this position?
No. Under the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, veterans' preference does not apply to this specific hybrid Title 38 vacancy due to current staffing shortages.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an on-site position at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center and does not offer telework or virtual options.
What happens if I haven't completed my degree yet?
Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but you cannot be officially hired until all requirements are met and documented.