PARTNERS HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, INC

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Clinical Engineer
Department: Partners Biomedical Engineering
Reports to: Site Director

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Provide engineering services to medical and research areas including selection, acquisition and service of medical devices, technical investigations of clinical incidents, clinical/technical problem solving, device design and solution of novel system and technical problems. May lead an engineering or other team. Educates medical and technical staff at levels up to basic theory of system operation and including development of educational programs. Leads quality improvement activities, suggests innovative solutions to technical problems. May lead a team comprised of other engineers or technicians.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: The term medical equipment may be either or all of electronic, mechanical and computer-based technologies for use in clinical or research applications.

1. May function as a team or technical project leader. May direct the work of BMETs and Associate Clinical Engineers including evaluating performance and counseling on professional development.

2. As team leader, ensure that clinical devices assigned to team receive appropriate safety and functional testing, preventive maintenance and service; assure the quality and timeliness of repair and testing of equipment and assure the thoroughness, accuracy and organization of service records.

3. Assist in capital equipment purchases and preparation of budgets. Work with clinical or research departments to coordinate the procurement of new devices including evaluation, selection, acquisition, user training, and installation.

4. Develop protocols and procedures for the use, maintenance, and testing of equipment.

5. Manage and participate in educational programs for clinical and technical staff including to level of engineering theory.

6. Investigate clinical incidents involving medical devices and, under guidance of senior engineer, prepare and file appropriate reports, disseminate information regarding possible hazards and implement corrective action.

7. Communicate to manufacturers about problems with medical devices; ensure appropriate response.

8. Evaluate safety and efficacy of medical devices. Investigate cost-effectiveness of alternatives to current technologies.

9. Maintain knowledge of and advise hospital personnel of codes and regulations regarding clinical devices and support facilities.

10. Perform technical consultation in clinical areas.

11. Design, implement and analyze studies for product evaluations and trials.

12. Participate in department committees and working groups and represent department on hospital or customer committees.

13. May be required to provide on-call response to administrative, management and/or technical problems

14. Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. BS in Engineering. Clinical Engineering certification desirable.

2. Experience in medical engineering in a hospital, industry or academic setting or equivalent setting

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Skill in management of engineering projects and/or personnel

2. Ability to diagnose and solve technical and/or system problems of moderate complexity

3. Knowledge of electronic, mechanical and/or computer engineering design and applications' principles

4. Computer literacy to the level of at least word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, statistics, engineering tools and programming.

5. Human relations and interpersonal skills of a level as necessary to manage an operational team in a complex environment under general direction; ability to interact with most hospital clinical personnel.

6. Skill in technical writing

7. Skill in technical presentation and teaching

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work in clinical or repair facility with exposure to biological contamination, e.g., blood, and hazardous electrical or mechanical energy, e.g., high voltage. Occasional lifting of heavy objects, typically not exceeding 75 pounds/person may be requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May manage or supervise other technical staff including recommendation for hiring and taking initial steps in corrective action and recommendation for dismissal .

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. May manage portions of operational and/or capital budget with authority for approving overtime and expenditures up to $1,000 within approved budget but without other approval.

2. Prepare capital and/or operational budgets for approval by department leadership

3. Ensure accurate preparation and documentation of service and purchase requisitions within sphere of responsibility.

To learn more about clinical engineering as a profession, visit the American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE) website at http://www.accenet.org/.

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