Remote Functional Safety Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Life Safety Code / Physical Environment

Survey Readiness Consultant

Company: Essential HealthCare Solutions (EHS)

Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (1099) — project-based, per-diem

Location: Remote, with required on-site travel to VA/VHA medical facilities (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other assignments nationwide)

Travel: Up to 75%, dependent on project schedule

Compensation: Competitive daily/per-diem rate, commensurate with experience and certifications; travel and lodging reimbursed

About the Role

Essential HealthCare Solutions is expanding its deployment-ready bench of Life Safety and Physical Environment survey readiness consultants to support healthcare facilities — including Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers — in achieving and maintaining continuous regulatory readiness.

In this role, you will conduct on-site mock surveys and readiness assessments focused on the Physical Environment (PE) and Life Safety (LS) sections of the Joint Commission accreditation standards, along with Emergency Management (EM) and National Patient Safety Goals. You will identify deficiencies, document findings clearly, and deliver practical, actionable guidance to facility leadership so they can close gaps ahead of their official accreditation surveys.

This is an opportunity for experienced life safety and healthcare compliance professionals to apply their expertise in a flexible, project-based capacity across a growing portfolio of federal and commercial healthcare clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site mock Physical Environment and Life Safety surveys at healthcare facilities using current Joint Commission, CMS, and NFPA standards.
• Assess compliance with NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code), and applicable VHA/Joint Commission Memoranda of Understanding and categorical waivers.
• Evaluate building systems, egress, fire protection and suppression, hazardous materials, utilities, and the overall environment of care for regulatory compliance.
• Review Emergency Management programs and readiness against Joint Commission EM standards and National Patient Safety Goals.
• Document findings in clear, well-organized reports and provide standards interpretation and education to facility leadership and staff.
• Communicate deficiencies and corrective recommendations professionally, building cooperation with facility teams.
• Manage assignments, schedules, and travel independently with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting Life Safety and/or Physical Environment surveys, inspections, or readiness assessments in a healthcare setting (hospital, long-term care, or similar).
• Working knowledge of NFPA 101, NFPA 99, and Joint Commission and/or CMS accreditation standards for the physical environment and life safety.
• Experience interpreting and applying fire and life safety codes, and communicating requirements to facility leadership.
• Strong written documentation skills and the ability to produce clear, defensible survey findings.
• Ability to travel to assigned facilities and work independently on-site.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and strong verbal and written communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification such as Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP), Certified Fire Inspector, or equivalent.
• Prior experience as a Joint Commission, CMS, state, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) surveyor.
• Experience with VA/VHA facilities or other federal healthcare environments.
• Background in facilities management, environment of care, biomedical/clinical engineering, fire service, or emergency management within healthcare.
• Familiarity with the pre-survey, survey, and post-survey continuous readiness lifecycle.

What We Offer

• Project-based assignments with competitive per-diem compensation.
• The flexibility of independent contract work with a respected healthcare consulting firm.
• The opportunity to support veterans' healthcare facilities and a growing federal client base.
• A collaborative bench of experienced life safety and compliance professionals.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief summary of your relevant survey and life safety experience, along with any applicable certifications, to tim.austin@essentialhcsolutions.com. Please note your availability for travel and any geographic preferences.

Essential HealthCare Solutions is an equal opportunity organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.