Summary

The Health System Specialist for X_labs, is responsible for leading, coordinating, and facilitating all clinical aspects of medical device design, development, testing and manufacturing. X_labs is a new service line at VA Puget Sound, working under the national direction of the VHA Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning (OHIL).

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Strong understanding of patient anatomy, surgical and interventional approaches, and potential complications that might impact the safety and efficacy of devices and processes.

Mastery of clinical and operational vocabulary, taking into consideration differences across different VHA hospitals to provide a unified language that enables the Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) to collaborate seamlessly across the enterprise.

Able to clearly communicate engineering and regulatory principles in a manner understandable by clinical staff.

Familiar with digital clinical planning tools (e.g., image segmentation software and computer assisted design software) and technologies in radiology, surgery, interventional cardiology, and other departments which facilitate better patient outcomes.

Familiar with common and rare cardiac procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), mitral valve repair.

Sufficient knowledge of medical products, manufacturing processes, design, and research to effectively communicate requirements to technical design teams and provide in-person, hands-on training to a wide variety of VHA staff traveling to X_labs for destination learning.

Experience working directly with surgeons to develop image based, patient specific 3D printed medical devices.

Experience developing and testing medical devices, as well as training physicians from across the country using cadavers.

Develop products within the VA Quality Management System and works to continuously improve the QMS, this includes documenting the development and manufacturing processes.

Collaborate with quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, regulatory advisors, technicians, clinicians, and more to develop medical devices.

Develop and manufacture life-cycle for at least one Class II or higher, FDA regulated medical device, under the oversight of a 21 CFR 801/820/821/822 compliant Quality System operating within the walls of a hospital system.

Manage material selection, sourcing, quarantine, verification, traceability, and disposal for additive manufacturing materials for the production and post-processing of medical devices. Including experience with testing and evaluation per ISO 10993 for assessing the irritation potential of medical devices, materials or their extracts.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; hours negotiable (7:00 AM- 5:00 PM PDT).
Position Description Title/PD#: Health System Specialist/PD414950

Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, or recurring and considerable crouching, bending, standing, stooping, stretching, or walking such as in performing regular and recurring medical activities, inspections, or to observe health care operations in treatment facilities. Work also includes frequent lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 23 kilograms (i.e., under 50 pounds) such as record boxes, equipment, or raw materials. The work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, walking, standing, carrying light items such as manuals or briefcases, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle.

Work Conditions: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks, discomfort, and unpleasantness such as: Contagious diseases; Infectious materials; Toxic or irritating chemicals; Carcinogenic materials; Noxious fumes; Explosive particles; Flammable liquids; Radiation; Pathogenic bacteria. Special safety precautions such as protective clothing, radiation lead shielding, and personal protective equipment are necessary. The work requires monthly (average 10-20%) travel, both locally and nationally.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/suitability investigation
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement.
5 CFR § 330.502 - General restriction on movement after competitive appointment applies.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Individual Occupational Requirement: This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement. An Individual Occupational Requirement is a basic requirement for this position. All applicants, regardless of grade level, must meet minimum education requirements. For this occupation, the education must be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in hospital administration, public health administration, or related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration. NOTE: TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED: If claiming education as qualifying for the Individual Occupational Requirement transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR

Progressively responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health care field. This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following: Missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of health care delivery systems; Regulations and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and Government-wide, agency, and facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and procurement.

OR

Successful completion of an agency-sponsored on-the-job training program may be substituted for qualifying experience, provided it included a formal individualized training plan. Such a training program must have been conducted in an operating health care system and included: Assignments providing a knowledge of basic health system administration philosophies, practices, and procedures, and basic government administrative policies and requirements; Practical assignments providing an opportunity to apply health system administration skills and principles (as the individual progresses, work assignments must be characteristic of the grade level to which he or she is assigned); and Oversight by an experienced health system administrator with periodic evaluation of the individual's progress and appropriate adjustment of the training program.

AND

GS-13 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: lead, coordinate, and facilitate all clinical aspects of medical device design, development, testing and manufacturing; review and on-board new clinical and practical applications for 3D Printing at designated advance manufacturing sites coordinate, create and ensure implementation of safety checklists for all new advanced manufacturing technology; identify, categorize, analyze, and apply qualitative/quantitative data methods for assessment and improvement of program effectiveness, to design and conduct studies, and propose solutions to management; provide recommendations for improvements to meet program objectives.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

There is no educational substitution for the GS-13 level.

Additional information

Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework. Ad-hoc telework is defined as situational telework approved on a case-by-case basis. Examples of situational or ad-hoc telework include telework because of inclement weather, doctor appointment, or special work assignments. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement. Your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Documents Required:

Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/14/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12808216.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Christian Sheehy

Phone

253-583-1445

Christian.Sheehy@va.gov

Address

VA Puget Sound Health Care System
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

10/02/2025 to 10/14/2025

Salary

$118,446 to - $153,982 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 13

Location

Seattle, WA

1 vacancy

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

0671 Health System Specialist

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Other

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

CBSV-12808216-25-CMS

Control number

847379900

US Veterans Health Administration jobs

Health System Specialist